Epidemiology
Mitral valve prolapse is the most common cause of chronic mitral regurgitation in the US.[1][2] According to current diagnostic criteria, the prevalence in the US is estimated at 2.4% with equal male and female distribution.[14] In other countries the prevalence rate ranges from 2.5% to 15%.[15][16] The risk of complications is greater in men and in people over 45 years old.[17] Older echocardiographical studies used referral-based clinical studies and less-specific criteria for definition. Selection bias led to false high-incidence figures of up to 38% in some population groups.[9]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer