The phenomenon of dysautonomia and mitral valve prolapse

In recent years research has shown that subsets of patients with mitral valve prolapse also have associated autonomic or neuroendocrine dysfunction that can result in a number of related symptoms, including fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, exercise intolerance, dyspnea, dizziness, headache, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disturbances, cold extremities, and panic attacks. These patients have been classified as having mitral valve prolapse syndrome. This article discusses the pathogenesis and management of mitral valve prolapse syndrome and serves to make clinicians aware of newer developments in the study of autonomic function and dysfunction.