What causes a snapping sound in the heart?

From the Guidelines

A snapping sound in the heart is most commonly caused by mitral valve prolapse, where the mitral valve leaflets bulge back into the left atrium during contraction, creating a clicking or snapping sound. This condition is characterized by a midsystolic click, which may be followed by a late systolic murmur, and is often associated with a sudden tensing of the mitral valve apparatus as the leaflets prolapse into the left atrium during systole 1. Other potential causes of snapping sounds in the heart include papillary muscle dysfunction, aortic stenosis, pericardial adhesions, and certain congenital heart defects, such as atrial septal defects 1.

Key Points to Consider

• Mitral valve prolapse is the most common cause of snapping sounds in the heart, and is often benign, but can be associated with underlying heart conditions that require medical evaluation 1.
• The diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse is typically made using echocardiography, which can define the morphology of the mitral valve and assess the presence and severity of mitral regurgitation 1.
• Other diagnostic tools, such as electrocardiography and cardiac catheterization, may also be used to evaluate patients with suspected mitral valve prolapse or other heart conditions that may cause snapping sounds 1.
• The management of patients with mitral valve prolapse typically involves reassurance, lifestyle modifications, and regular follow-up, although some patients may require antibiotic prophylaxis or other interventions to prevent complications such as endocarditis 1.

Important Considerations for Patient Care

• Patients with snapping sounds in the heart should be evaluated for underlying heart conditions, particularly if they are accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness 1.
• Echocardiography is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating patients with suspected mitral valve prolapse or other heart conditions that may cause snapping sounds 1.
• The management of patients with mitral valve prolapse should be individualized based on the presence and severity of symptoms, as well as the presence of underlying heart conditions or other risk factors 1.

From the Research

Causes of Snapping Sound in the Heart

• A snapping sound in the heart can be caused by mitral valve prolapse, a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium 2.
• This sound is often associated with a systolic click or murmur, but it can also occur in diastole, as seen in patients with mitral valve prolapse 2.
• The snapping sound is thought to be caused by the prolapsed posterior leaflet of the mitral valve returning from the left atrium and recoapted with the anterior mitral leaflet 2.
• Pericardial effusion, a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, can also cause a snapping sound in the heart, as it can lead to pseudo-prolapse of the mitral valve 3.
• Other conditions, such as myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve, can also cause a snapping sound in the heart 4.

Associated Conditions

• Mitral valve prolapse is often associated with other conditions, such as mitral regurgitation, endocarditis, and sudden death 4.
• Pericardial effusion can be caused by various conditions, including chronic kidney disease, and can lead to mitral valve pseudoprolapse 5.
• Echocardiography is an important tool in diagnosing and managing patients with mitral valve prolapse and pericardial effusion 6, 5.

Diagnostic Considerations

• Echocardiography can help diagnose mitral valve prolapse and pericardial effusion, and can also help identify patients who are at risk of complications such as mitral regurgitation and endocarditis 6, 5.
• The presence of a diastolic sound or murmur can be an important clue to the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse 2.
• The timing and characteristics of the snapping sound can help differentiate it from other cardiac sounds and murmurs 2.