Mitral Valve Prolapse Primary, Etiology and Symptoms

Mitral valve prolapse is thought to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It probably represents a disorder of connective tissue. The specific connective tissue disorder for most patients is ill defined. Some have Marfan or Ehlers Danlos syndromes. Primary mitral valve prolapse is due to myxomatous degeneration producing an enlarged redundant mitral valve with thickened leaflets and elongated chordae tendineae.

The etiology of symptoms associated with mitral valve prolapse, including palpitations and chest pain, is not readily apparent.