What can cause mitral valve prolapse?

Do you feel that your heart is aching? Literally? You may be experiencing mitral valve prolapse (MVP) which can sound as scary as it looks. This article is for you if you are curious about what causes this condition to occur.

In general, the human body is full of valves that keep blood flowing in one direction smoothly without letting it leak back into other compartments of the circulation system. The mitral valve specifically connects two parts of our hearts that ensures oxygenated blood flows from left atrium to ventricles before being sent to arteries elsewhere in our bodies.

However, when this valve gets damaged or weakened over time by various factors, MVP happens – this means all bets are off.

But wait, there’s more! In order to understand MVP better here are several factors worth considering:

Genetics

The roots beneath any physical disorder undoubtedly lie embedded within genetic differences inherited at birth itself. Such variations affect health conditions greatly and scientists have found strong links between these genes and progression of chronic diseases overtime .

While genetics isn’t always easy to pin down as a cause for an individual with MVP necessarily, research has shown us that certain traits such as height (+/- 2 inches compared against average norms), Marfan Syndrome (the alteration/modification of FBN1-like gene mutations known for impacting connective tissue strength/durability) , among others could increase odds .

That’s right! Heightened chances mean even someone popularly known for their good looks like model Gisele Bündchen isn’t necessarily spared . no way out!

Environmental Factors

Unconditional love doesn’t exist- but pollution sure does! No one wishes breathing smog daily on anyone however; we don’t have much choice nowadays thanks environmental pollutants produced by car emissions/factory smokestacks/etc. When it comes to MVP development, air quality is a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Abundant evidence shows high pollution exposure + lousy air quality can cause heart damage/apart from other health hazards . So Cut back on smoking or any other environmental irritants you may come across people – life is already short enough.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Health complications are like unwanted guests – they overstay their welcome and cause a mess everywhere they go. Many of these conditions create inflammation in our bodies while others simply make us more prone towards certain diseases .

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute(NHLBI) has classified certain conditions including Graves’ disease , Marfan syndrome already mentioned above as well as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome ( condition with hypermobility/hyperflexibility of ligaments )as risk factors for MVP. Take care folks!

Ageing:

Growing old doesn’t mean instant wrinkles but there’s certainly no time-out either when it comes to heart ailments! With ageing comes wear and tear on body tissues which include the mitral valve too . This gradually reduces its ability to function properly leading to prolapse in some cases particularly if other risk factors are also involved.

Gender

Did you know that gender plays a role here? Women seem more susceptible to having MVP than men….

Now let’s talk about those symptoms…

What have we talked about so far?

  • Genetics
  • Environmental Factors
  • Pre-existing Conditions
  • Ageing
    _ Gender_

In addition…let’s look at common signs related with this scary thing i.e mitral valve prolapse …can we really cope up?

Symptoms

Symptoms often vary between individuals who have been diagnosed with MVP however some persistent issues named below sufferings should warrant medical attention:

Chest Pain/Tightness:

According to various scientists/cardiology experts palpitations/chest pain( angina pectoris) can occur due to reduced blood flow/oxygen supply near the heart as a result of prolapsing valve.

Fatigue:

Fatigue is one of those experiences that feels like glue stuck all over your body possibly caused by lack of sleep, right? Think again! Mitral valve prolapse’s effects include reversing our biological clocks leading to tiredness/exhaustion .

There are many other symptoms however; these being the most prevalent

And now for a disclaimer: If you find yourself experiencing any constellation/combinationof these issues we’ve just discussed , please consult your doctor or another qualified health care professional ASAP.

To summarize everything, mitral valve prolapse (MVP) serves as the perfect example of how something so small yet significant involving life and love – human physiology involved in circulatory system- could bring about heartbreak in more ways than one. A few changes with lifestyle choices/check-ups/careful monitoring/follow-up appointments may help reduce risk + protect what counts i.e”hearts”.

Calm down hearts and stay safe!

Table

Mitral Valve Prolapse risk factors overview:

Factors Info
Sex More common among women
Genetics Some gene variants possible contributors
Environmental Substances Polluted air/irritants
Pre-existing Medical Conditions E.g Marfan syndrome
Graves’ disease
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Ageing
Wear/Tear on tissue
——
##### PostScript
Cancer isn’t much fun to have either
Everybody aways depends at least partly upon biology+environment(no matter what)
It’s ok guys (Joking aside though,early intervention matters! )
Good news this symptomatology won’t be part of GRE #ThinkoutsideTheBox

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