What is the treatment for mitral valve prolapse?

Beta-blockers, such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), and propranolol (Inderal), are the drugs of choice.Examples of antibiotics used include oral amoxicillin and erythromycin as well as intramuscular or intravenous ampicillin, gentamycin, and vancomycin.Since valve infection, endocarditis, is a rare, but potentially serious complication of mitral valve prolapse, patients with mitral valve prolapse are usually given antibiotics prior to any procedure which can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.Patients with severe prolapse, abnormal heart rhythms, spells, significant palpitations, chest pain, and anxiety attacks may need treatment.These act by increasing the size of the left ventricle, thereby reducing the degree of prolapse.These procedures include routine dental work, minor surgery, and procedures that can traumatize body tissues such as , gynecologic, or urologic examinations.

For these individuals, routine examinations including echocardiograms every few years may suffice.The calcium blockers verapamil (Calan) and diltiazem (Cardizem) are useful in patients who cannot tolerate beta-blockers.Therefore, mitral valve prolapse patients with mitral regurgitation are often evaluated annually.The vast majority of patients with mitral valve prolapse have an excellent prognosis and need no treatment.

Mitral regurgitation in patients with mitral valve prolapse can lead to heart failure, heart enlargement, and abnormal rhythms.