Question

Which characteristic describes mitral valve prolapse? (Select all that apply.)

a. Hepatomegaly is a late sign.
b. Leaflets enlarge and fall back into left atrium during systole.
c. Most patients are asymptomatic.
d. Patients have normal heart rate and blood pressure.
e. Mitral valve prolapse is becoming a disorder of aging populations.

Answer 1

Mitral valve prolapse is characterized by the enlargement and prolapse of valve leaflets into the left atrium during systole, with most patients being asymptomatic and having normal heart rate and blood pressure. Hepatomegaly and aging are not specifically associated with mitral valve prolapse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics that describe mitral valve prolapse include:

• Leaflets enlarge and fall back into the left atrium during systole.
• Most patients are asymptomatic.
• Patients often have normal heart rate and blood pressure.

Hepatomegaly is not a typical sign of mitral valve prolapse, as this condition is related to liver enlargement. Moreover, while mitral valve prolapse can occur at any age, it is not specifically described as a disorder of aging populations. When the mitral valve leaflets prolapse, it can lead to mitral regurgitation where blood flows back into the left atrium, potentially leading to a heart murmur detectable by stethoscope. The mitral valve is also referred to as the bicuspid valve or the left atrioventricular valve and is attached to the papillary muscles via chordae tendineae.