Myth: Mitral Valve Prolapse sometimes called the "kookie women's syndrome," is a form of heart disease.

Fact: In 99% of cases Mitral Valve Prolapse is not a disease of the heart. Mitral Valve Prolapse affects 10% of population, with 80% of those affected of being women. The symptoms reflect the "fight/flight" reflex of the involuntary nervous system caused by the release of excess adrenalin. It manifests as irregular heart beats and/or panic attacks (therefore the name "kookie woman's syndrome") in patients who have not been properly diagnosed or have atypical chest pain. The chest pain that develops usually does not involve the heart, but rather the bone or muscles of the chest wall. The condition is generally not dangerous, and only rarely requires medication. Patient education is usually the best treatment.