Mitral Valve Prolapse

Healthcare providers diagnose mitral valve disease through a physical exam and tests. A provider can learn a lot by listening to your heart with a stethoscope. If you have mitral valve prolapse, your provider will hear a clicking sound followed by a murmur. “Click-murmur syndrome” is another name for mitral valve prolapse because of its distinctive sound.

During your exam, your provider will also discuss your medical history and family history with you. As mitral valve prolapse sometimes runs in families, this information matters.

If your provider suspects you have MVP or another valve issue, they’ll order at least one test to confirm the diagnosis.

What tests will be done to diagnose mitral valve prolapse?

Echocardiography is the main method providers use to diagnose MVP. This test uses ultrasound technology to check your heart’s structure and function. You may need one or both of the following types of this test:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram. Moving an ultrasound transducer on different areas of your chest provides pictures of your heart’s valves and chambers.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram. For greater detail, a provider places a small ultrasound transducer down your esophagus.

Your provider may order more tests to learn more about your heart. These include:

• Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG).
• Chest X-ray.
• Cardiac catheterization.