Which demographic is primarily affected by mitral valve prolapse (MVP)?

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is predominantly observed in healthy young women. This condition involves the abnormal displacement of the mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium during ventricular contraction and is often asymptomatic. The predominant demographic affected by MVP consists of women between the ages of 14 and 30, which aligns with the choice regarding healthy young women.

The anatomical and hormonal factors may contribute to this higher prevalence in women, as estrogen may influence collagen and elastin in the cardiac tissue. In many cases, MVP can be identified through physical examination findings such as a mid-systolic click or a late systolic murmur, and it is generally benign, but it can occasionally lead to complications such as arrhythmias or infective endocarditis.

While other demographics can experience related cardiac issues, such as older adults with hypertension potentially facing different types of valvular heart disease, the specific association between MVP and young women is well-documented in the literature, making it the most appropriate answer in this context.