Is there a difference between Mitral Valve Prolapse and Mitral Valve Regurgitation?

Answer 1

The American Heart Association describes mitral valve prolapse as “(when) one or both flaps (of the mitral valve) are enlarged and some of their supporting strings are too long. So, when the heart contracts or pumps, the mitral valve flaps do not close smoothly or evenly. Instead, part of one or both flaps collapse backward into the left atrium. This sometimes allows a small amount of blood to leak backward through the valve”.

In a small number of cases, it can cause blood to leak backwards (severe mitral regurgitation). This needs to be treated with surgery.

Answer 2

Yes, prolapse means that your valve more or less is turning itself inside out as it closes....it does not indicate that the valve is leaking in any way. Mitral regurgitation is a condition where the valve does leak in the systolic (ventricular contraction) phase of the heart cycle. M/R is graded mild, moderate and severe. The condition is usually free of symptoms and usually does not require any treatment until it reaches "severe" except antibiotic prophylactic treatment with teeth cleaning and monitoring by echo cardiogram to evaluate its progression. Exam by stethoscope will typically reveal a "click" with prolapse and a "murmur" with regurgitation.

You can search on the Mayo clinic or Johns Hopkins web sites for more information should you desire it. Good luck.