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Information on Mitral Valve Prolapse
Approximately 4 percent of the general population has mitral valve prolapse, a condition that occurs when the mitral valve bulges into the left atrium as the left ventricle in the heart contracts. Although it can be diagnosed based on a stethoscope examination, an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram are typically used to confirm the diagnosis. A mitral valve prolapse is not especially serious, and activities generally do not need to be limited; however, this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
(Click Mitral Valve Prolapse for more information on this condition. This article explains the mitral valve in detail and also discusses the tests used to make a diagnosis and the usual prognosis.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD