Mitral Valve Prolapse
Diagnosis

Usually, people have mitral valve prolapse at birth, but it can also develop with age due to normal wear and tear of the heart. Either way, a doctor can detect MVP by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. A prolapsing valve may make a clicking sound as it opens and shuts. It may also make a whooshing sound as blood moves into the lungs. In fact, MVP was once known as "click-murmur syndrome."

If a mitral valve prolapse is suspected, your doctor may order one of the following diagnostic tests:

• Echocardiogram Uses sound waves to create a moving image of the heart at work
• Chest X-ray Looks for fluid in the lungs or an enlarged heart
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) Measures the heart's electrical activity to determine how fast it's beating and if the rhythm is steady