During what position is the murmur of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) best heard?

The murmur of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is best heard when the patient is in the left lateral decubitus position. In this position, the heart is positioned closer to the chest wall, enhancing the transmission of sounds from the mitral valve area. This positioning allows for better auscultation of the characteristic "click" associated with MVP and any resultant murmurs.

Mitral valve prolapse is a condition where the valve leaflets bulge into the left atrium during systole, often accompanied by a mid-systolic click and a late systolic murmur if mitral regurgitation is present. The left lateral decubitus position helps in aligning the left atrium and ventricle geometrically in such a way that the sounds related to the mitral valve are amplified, making them more audible during an examination.

In contrast, while the murmurs of MVP can be heard in other positions, they may not be as prominent. Sitting upright might provide good overall access to heart sounds, but the closer proximity of the heart to the chest wall in the left lateral position is more favorable for clarity in the sounds produced by MVP. The supine position can also result in detectable murmurs but usually lacks the optimal sound