Barlow’s Syndrome
Also
known as: Floppy-valve syndrome, mitral
valve prolapse or click-murmur syndrome
What
is it?
Barlow’s syndrome, also known as floppy-valve
syndrome, mitral valve prolapse or click-murmur
syndrome, is a cardiac disorder in which the
mitral valve of the heart fails to close properly
or balloons out. The mitral valve is the heart
valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.
It has two flaps that open and close when the
heart contracts and rests. When the valve fails to
close properly, a clicking sound can be heard.
Sometimes a small amount of blood flows back into
the left atrium, causing a murmur.
Who
gets it?
Barlow’s syndrome affects about one in ten
Americans, and is found more often in young to
middle-aged women. The condition also seems to
affect women with certain skeletal problems such
as scoliosis, a deformity where the spine curves
to one side.
What
causes it?
While
the cause of Barlow’s syndrome is not known, the
condition may be inherited. Most people with the
condition are born with it.
What
are the symptoms?
Many
people with Barlow’s syndrome don’t have symptoms.
Most patients are surprised to learn that their
heart is functioning abnormally. Some patients
experience brief periods of rapid heartbeat or
skipped beats, shortness of breath, dizziness,
chest pain, anxiety and panic attacks. Symptoms
may be more pronounced during exercise.
How is
it diagnosed?
Barlow’s syndrome is usually diagnosed during a
routine physical after the doctor listens to the
patient’s heart with a stethoscope. The mitral
valve may make a clicking sound, or a heart murmur
may be detected. The doctor may order an
ultrasound test such as an echocardiogram to
confirm diagnosis. The test will show the opening
and closing of the valve and whether it leaks.
What
is the treatment?
Most
patients diagnosed with Barlow’s syndrome need no
treatment. For some patients, however, the doctor
may prescribe beta-blockers or other drugs to
control specific symptoms of the condition such as
uncomfortable heart rhythms or to lower blood
pressure. Serious problems due to Barlow’s
syndrome are rare, but can be treated surgically
if needed. Patients with severe valve leakage
should be followed more closely by their doctor so
that medical therapy and, if necessary, surgery,
can be pursued at the appropriate time.
Patients with Barlow’s syndrome will need to take
antibiotics before dental or surgical procedures
since they increase the risk of getting bacteria
into the patient’s bloodstream, which may infect
the abnormal valve.
Self-care tips
Many
patients diagnosed with Barlow’s syndrome have no
symptoms and never develop any problems. However,
they need to tell their dentist and other health
care providers they have the condition so
antibiotics can be prescribed when needed to
prevent infection of the valve.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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