What causes mitral valve insufficiency?

MVP (mitral valve prolapse) is generally considered to be present at birth, although quite often it isn't diagnosed until one's twenties.

Usually MVP is not extremely dangerous; very rarely, it has caused sudden death by cardiac arrest.

Some people with MVP take medications such as Metoprolol to regulate their heart rate; others use pacemakers. A third option, less often used, is to implant a defibrillator that only activates if a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia occurs.

MVP is a mild to moderate problem with a valve that causes a slight heart murmur. It is most common in white females who are slightly underweight, but can happen in anyone.