The tissue strands that anchor the valve to the heart muscle may stretch. Prolapse occurs in people with rare inherited diseases of connective tissue. They have abnormal elasticity of their skin and other body tissues, as well as abnormalities in their bones. This group includes people with Marfan's syndrome or with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Prolapse of an otherwise normal mitral valve sometimes occurs when the small heart muscles that control and support the valve are damaged by a heart attack.
Most people have no symptoms.
You may notice the symptoms more when you are active or exercising. You will need a careful physical exam. If the valve leaks, your provider can hear a murmur. The echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, is the best way to diagnose mitral valve prolapse. The picture made by the sound waves shows the prolapse, any thickening of the valve leaflets, and any leakage of blood through the prolapsed valve.