What is a common clinical manifestation of mitral valve prolapse?

Mitral valve prolapse often manifests with palpitations and anxiety due to the involvement of the autonomic nervous system. Patients may experience an increased adrenaline response associated with the unusual movement of the mitral valve leaflets during the cardiac cycle. This can lead to hypersensitivity and exaggerated heart rate responses, resulting in palpitations, which are sensations of a racing or fluttering heart. Anxiety might also arise from the stress of these palpitations or the fear of potential cardiac issues, as those affected sometimes worry about their symptoms.

While chest pain, signs of heart failure, and ruptured chordae tendinae can occur in various cardiac conditions, they are less specific to mitral valve prolapse. Chest pain is more often associated with ischemic heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. Similarly, heart failure signs typically indicate more severe cardiac dysfunction that is less common in isolated mitral valve prolapse. Ruptured chordae tendinae is an acute and serious condition more commonly associated with severe mitral valve regurgitation rather than the relatively benign manifestations of mitral valve prolapse. Thus, palpitations and anxiety are notably characteristic symptoms commonly seen in patients with mitral valve prolapse.