Which of the following is true about symptomatic mitral valve prolapse?
**Core Concept**
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition characterized by the abnormal displacement of the mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium during systole. This can lead to mitral regurgitation, a condition where blood flows backward from the left ventricle to the left atrium.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Symptomatic mitral valve prolapse is often associated with mitral regurgitation. The prolapsing leaflet can create a gap between the leaflets, allowing blood to flow back into the left atrium during systole. This can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The mitral valve leaflets are normally anchored by chordae tendineae, which are attached to the papillary muscles. In MVP, the leaflets may not be properly anchored, leading to prolapse.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Mitral valve prolapse is often asymptomatic. While it is true that many cases of MVP are asymptomatic, this is not true for symptomatic MVP, which is the focus of the question.
**Option B:** Mitral valve prolapse is a congenital condition. MVP can be congenital, but it can also be acquired due to various factors such as age, hypertension, or myocardial infarction.
**Option C:** Mitral valve prolapse is a cause of mitral stenosis. MVP is actually associated with mitral regurgitation, not mitral stenosis, which is a narrowing of the mitral valve orifice.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical feature of symptomatic mitral valve prolapse is the presence of a late systolic click, often accompanied by a murmur of mitral regurgitation.
**Correct Answer:** C. Mitral valve prolapse is associated with mitral regurgitation.