What are the causes of Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most common valvular heart disorder. In order to better understand this condition, a brief review of the hearts anatomy is in order. The heart consists of 2 sides: right and left. The right side of the heart receives blood from the rest of the body and circulates it through the lungs to make it oxygenated. Oxygenated blood from the lung then enters the left side of the heart, first the left atrium and then the left ventricle. The left ventricle is the main pumping chamber of the heart since it is responsible for pushing blood through the rest of the circulatory system. Between the left ventricle and the left atrium lies the mitral valve. This valve performs a very important function. When the left ventricle contracts, blood must flow out to the rest of the body rather than back to the left atrium. By closing when the left ventricle contracts, the mitral valve prevents a backup of blood into the left atrium. The mitral valve is made up of two thin leaf
