Mitral valve prolapse is defined as:

• A. Abnormal Heart Sounds
• B. Improper Closure of the Mitral Valve
• C. Narrowing, Stricture
• D. Inflammation of the Pericardium

Answer: (B)

Mitral valve prolapse is a condition where the mitral valve leaflets are enlarged or redundant and bulge backward into the left atrium during heart contraction, so the valve does not close properly. This improper closure can allow blood to leak backward into the atrium (mitral regurgitation). It’s not simply about an abnormal heart sound, nor is it about narrowing of a valve or inflammation of the pericardium.