Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) Practice Test

Prolapse primarily occurs in the mitral valve because this valve is structurally more susceptible to displacement than others. The mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, has chordae tendineae and papillary muscles that help maintain its proper function. In mitral valve prolapse, the leaflets of the valve are abnormally thickened or elongated, which can cause them to bulge (or prolapse) back into the left atrium during contraction of the heart. This condition often results in symptoms such as palpitations or a feeling of irregular heartbeat, but many patients remain asymptomatic. The prevalence of mitral valve prolapse is higher than that of prolapse in other heart valves due to its unique anatomical features and is often detected during echocardiography. Understanding this association is crucial for recognizing and managing potential complications that can arise from mitral valve prolapse, such as mitral regurgitation.