Final answer:
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) occurs when the mitral valve cusps are forced backward, allowing blood to flow in the wrong direction, known as mitral regurgitation, which can be detected by a heart murmur.
Step-by-step explanation:
MVP (mitral valve prolapse) refers to a condition where one or both cusps of the mitral valve are pushed backward by blood pressure, leading to improper closure and potential blood regurgitation.
The mitral valve, also known as the left atrioventricular valve or bicuspid valve, is situated between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. This valve is composed of two flaps of tissue (anterior medial cusp and posterior medial cusp) and serves to maintain a one-way flow of blood from the atrium to the ventricle. In MVP, the chordae tendineae, which secure the cusps to the ventricle wall, may be damaged.
This can disrupt the tight seal that prevents blood from flowing backward, and if the blood does flow back into the atrium, the condition is termed mitral regurgitation. This can often be detected as a heart murmur using a stethoscope.
While mitral regurgitation is the most common valve disorder, affecting approximately 2 percent of the population, any of the heart valves can experience insufficiency. It's important to address valve disorders promptly, as they can lead to inadequate blood flow to the body, posing serious health risks.