Mitral valve prolapse in relation to sport

Depending on the definition of the disease and diagnostic criteria mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is one of the commonest structural abnormalities of the heart. The condition is characterized by myxoid degeneration of the mitral valve and appears to be more common in females. Trans-thoracic echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool for diagnosing MVP and provides information about the structure and function of the valve, but also allows comprehensive evaluation of the subvalvular complex. Additional trans-oesophageal echocardiography and 3D echocardiography provide excellent further assessment of the mitral valve complex. The vast majority of patients have a relatively benign natural history. However, a small proportion may develop severe mitral regurgitation due to degenerative disease or chordal rupture, infective endocarditis, embolic cerebrovascular accident, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Athletic training has the potential for expediting the degenerative process and a propensity for arrhythmias or even sudden death.