MITRAL-VALVE PROLAPSE IN ACTIVE PATIENTS - RECOGNITION, TREATMENT, AND EXERCISE RECOMMENDATIONS

In most people, mitral valve prolapse, which affects women more than m en, is a benign condition with few or no symptoms. But in some patient s it poses a significant problem. Potential sequelae include endocardi tis, serious arrhythmia, and sudden death. Although a midsystolic clic k followed by a late systolic murmur is characteristic, definitive dia gnosis requires echocardiography. Treatment ranges from education and reassurance in those who have mild disease to valve replacement in sev ere cases. Most athletes who have mitral valve prolapse can safely par ticipate in all activities. Those with evidence of significant valvula r disease, serious arrhythmia, or a family history of sudden death due to mitral valve prolapse, however, should participate only in low-int ensity competitive sports.