Prevalence of Mitral Valve Prolapse in Presumably Healthy Young Saudi Men

Abstract

Echocardiographic and clinical data of 118 presumably healthy young Saudi medical students were analyzed to determine the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Eight subjects satisfied the predefined criteria for echocardiographic diagnosis of MVP, giving a prevalence rate of 7.4%. Three of these patients were symptomatic with dyspnea, chest pains, or palpitations. However, a similar occurrence of symptoms was noted in the MVPnegative group. Three of the eight patients had auscultatory evidence of MVP. The prevalence rate for MVP in Saudi Arabia is comparable to that reported from other countries. 2 prevalence of MVP has been noted to be 1.4%. Multiple studies have noted the prevalence of MVP in healthy young women to vary from 6% to 21%.3,4 Sparbaro et al, 5 in their study of prevalence of MVP in healthy young men, report it to be 4%. The condition has been described in both sexes and at all ages, including newborn babies 6 and normal children. 7There seems to be no established racial predilection. A recent report documents a 2.5% prevalence of MVP in previously healthy Korean immigrants. 8 A prevalence figure of 8% and 7%, respectively, has been reported for healthy women and men from Sweden. 9The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of MVP among Saudi Arab males. Subjects and MethodsOne hundred eighteen presumably healthy, male Saudi medical students were the subjects of this study. The nature and purpose of the study were explained. Individuals with previously known cardiac conditions (other than MVP) were excluded. Each participant completed a medical questionnaire which defined his symptomatic status pertaining to dyspnea, fatigability, chest pain, palpitation, dizzy spells, or syncope. A full clinical and cardiovascular examination was performed independently by at least two investigators. Thoracic cage abnormalities such as pectus excavatum, scoliosis, and straight back syndrome were specially sought.

Clinical Spectrum of Skeletal Abnormalties and Mitral Valve Prolapse and Their Clinical Implications

“…The prevalence of echocardiographic features and/or auscultatory signs of mitral valve prolapse has been high among the supposedly healthy populations among Western societies, [1][2][3] as well as among the Saudi population. 4,5 The high prevalence confirms the statement, "For every symptomatic patient with MVP, there are hundreds of asymptomatic persons." 6 Hunt and Sloman reported a high prevalence of MVP among females in early adulthood and concluded that this disorder has a familial tendency.…”

Mitral Valve Prolapse with Systemic Embolism: Report of Three Cases

“…A recent study has shown that the prevalence rate for MVP in Saudi Arabia is comparable to that reported from the Western countries. 15 There should be an awareness of its occurrence and possible complications in the developing countries.…”