About two of every 100 people with this condition have complications. You may need surgery to fix the valve if your valve is too leaky or if you are having lots of symptoms. You may also have to limit your participation in competitive sports. Ask your doctor if you are in this group. If your mitral valve prolapse causes chest pains or other symptoms, your doctor might prescribe medicines such as beta blockers to make your symptoms better.
Some people get an infection in the leaky valve when they have surgery or dental work.
You might take antibiotics before surgery or dental work to prevent this infection. Remind your dentists and doctors that you have mitral valve prolapse so that you can get a prescription for antibiotics when you are going to have surgery or dental work. This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor. Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.