Mitral valve prolapse is a disorder in which, during the contraction phase of the heart, the mitral valve does not close properly. When the valve does not close properly it allows blood to backflow into the left atrium. Some symptoms can include palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing after exertion, fatigue, cough, and shortness of breath while lying down.

Review Date: 3/14/2001 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By:Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Ctr., Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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