The evaluation of mitral valve prolapse begins with a history and physical examination.

Usually, the physical exam in someone with mitral valve prolapse is normal.

Physical findings in someone with mitral valve prolapse may include:

• Rapid pulse
• Irregular pulse
• Heart murmur
• Irregular heartbeat

Testing is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse.

Tests that may be used to evaluate mitral valve prolapse include:

• Thyroid profile
• Chest x-ray
• EKG
• Cardiac monitoring
• 24-hour cardiac monitor:
• A portable ECG that measures the heart's rate and rhythm over a 24-hour period (or longer)
• Echocardiogram:
• Can identify MVP

Additional tests that may be used to evaluate mitral valve prolapse include:

• Intracardiac Electrophysiologic studies (EPS):
• The heart is stimulated with tiny electrical currents in order to find the cause of an arrhythmia.
• Exercise stress test
• Cardiac catheterization
• MRI scan of the heart:
• Shows detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries
• SPECT scanning of the heart:
• Detects blood flow abnormalities to heart muscle
• Thallium heart scan
• Coronary artery CT scanning:
• Checks for possible obstructions in the coronary arteries