Methods Of Treating Mitral Valve Prolapse

The mitral valve is the bicuspid valve that separates the left ventricle from the left atrium of the heart. The sound of its flaps closing is part of the 'lub' in the traditional 'lub dub' rendering of a heartbeat. When it functions correctly, this valve allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from ventricle to atrium, where it is pumped out into the rest of the body. Due to genetics or other conditions, the flaps of the valve can fall back into the left atrium, a condition known as mitral valve prolapse. While this condition is rarely life-threatening and often asymptomatic, more severe cases can lead to blood back-flowing into the atrium, a condition known as mitral valve regurgitation.