Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following conditions can lead to increased risk for mitral valve prolapse?

1. Hypertension

2. Coronary artery disease

3. Rheumatoid arthritis

4. Diabetes mellitus

The correct answer is: Rheumatoid arthritis

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is often associated with connective tissue disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition known to affect the connective tissue. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may develop various cardiac manifestations, including structural changes in the heart valves due to the inflammatory nature of the disease. This inflammation can lead to abnormalities in the mitral valve, increasing the risk of prolapse. Unlike conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus, which primarily affect the heart's blood flow and overall cardiovascular health through different mechanisms, rheumatoid arthritis directly influences the connective tissue that supports the mitral valve. Therefore, the presence of RA can lead to the degeneration of the mitral valve's structure, promoting the occurrence of prolapse. This connection between RA and MVP is key in understanding the increased risk among those with rheumatoid arthritis.