A 16-year-old adolescent presents with chest pain. Based on common pediatric data, which is the most likely cause of cardiac pain?

A 16-year-old adolescent presents with chest pain. Based on common pediatric data, which is the most likely cause of cardiac pain?

• A. Myocarditis
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Mitral valve prolapse
• D. Premature ventricular contractions

Answer: (C)

Mitral valve prolapse stands out in adolescents as the most common cardiac cause of chest pain in otherwise healthy teens. The chest pain associated with MVP is typically non-exertional and described as sharp or pressure-like, and it may be accompanied by palpitations or anxiety rather than being strictly tied to exercise. On exam you may hear a midsystolic click followed by a late systolic murmur that changes with position—often louder with standing or Valsalva and softer with squatting. If MVP is suspected, echocardiography confirms the diagnosis and ECG is usually normal. While myocarditis, tachycardia, or PVCs can cause chest discomfort, they are less likely in this common, non-ischemic teen presentation when there are no viral illness clues or distress signs. Management is mainly reassurance, education about the benign nature, and addressing any anxiety or autonomic symptoms; interventions are reserved for persistent or highly symptomatic cases.

Mitral valve prolapse stands out in adolescents as the most common cardiac cause of chest pain in otherwise healthy teens. The chest pain associated with MVP is typically non-exertional and described as sharp or pressure-like, and it may be accompanied by palpitations or anxiety rather than being strictly tied to exercise.

On exam you may hear a midsystolic click followed by a late systolic murmur that changes with position—often louder with standing or Valsalva and softer with squatting. If MVP is suspected, echocardiography confirms the diagnosis and ECG is usually normal.

While myocarditis, tachycardia, or PVCs can cause chest discomfort, they are less likely in this common, non-ischemic teen presentation when there are no viral illness clues or distress signs. Management is mainly reassurance, education about the benign nature, and addressing any anxiety or autonomic symptoms; interventions are reserved for persistent or highly symptomatic cases.