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Definition

noun

A disorder of the heart due to the failure of the mitral valve to close properly during systole because of the drooping down or the bulging of the mitral valve cusps.

Supplement

Individuals with this condition may be asymptomatic; however, the common complaints are rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and chest pain.

Word origin: resemblance to a mitre (a bishop's official headdress)

Synonym(s):

• Barlow's syndrome
• mitral valve prolapse
• click-murmur syndrome
• floppy-valve syndrome