I just received a question from Kim that reads, “My son has just been diagnosed with a heart valve prolapse. Can you help me understand a heart valve prolapse better?”

Considering that prolapsed heart valves are very common, I imagine Kim’s question may be on your mind as well. So, here is a quick explanation and a hyperlink for more information.

A heart valve prolapse typically impacts the [1] mitral valve of the heart. Research suggests that mitral valve prolapse impacts about 5% of the population.

In essence, a heart valve prolapse occurs when the leaflets of the heart valve do not seal properly. In the case of a mitral valve prolapse, the two leaflets of the mitral valve buckle improperly which results in blood backflow (aka regurgitation) into the heart. As a result, [2] leaky heart valve symptoms can occur.

[3] To learn more about mitral valve prolapse, click here.

I hope this helps you better understand heart valve prolapse.

Keep on tickin!

[4] The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, a unique book which integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of an actual heart valve surgery patient.