Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is one of the most common heart diseases but it remains partly unknown. Although PVM affects approximately 2% of the population, its cause is unknown. PVM often occurs in people who do not have any other heart problems and may be a hereditary disease.

The mitral valve is located in the heart between the left upper chamber (the left atrium) and the left lower chamber (the left ventricle). The mitral valve consists of two leaflets called “leaflets”.

Normally the valves open and close in a coordinated manner so that the blood flows in one direction: from the atrium to the ventricle.