Mitral Valve Ailment: Symptoms, Root Causes, Therapies, and Further Info
The heart, a vital organ, is home to several components that work in harmony to ensure the efficient flow of blood. One such component is the mitral valve, situated between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve plays a crucial role in allowing blood to flow from the atrium to the ventricle while preventing it from flowing in the wrong direction.
There are three main types of mitral valve diseases: mitral regurgitation (MR), mitral stenosis (MS), and mitral valve prolapse (MVP). These conditions can share common symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and potential arrhythmias. However, their treatments vary according to severity and symptom presence.
Mitral Stenosis
Mitral stenosis is characterised by the narrowing of the mitral valve opening, making it difficult for blood to flow through. Symptoms include shortness of breath, especially on exertion, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, chest discomfort, coughing up blood occasionally, and swelling in feet or ankles.
Mild cases may require monitoring and medications such as diuretics, blood thinners, and medications to control heart rate. Severe cases may necessitate balloon valvuloplasty, surgical repair, or mitral valve replacement with mechanical or tissue valves. Regular follow-up with echocardiograms is essential to monitor progression.
Mitral Regurgitation
Mitral regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve fails to close properly, causing blood to leak back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, swelling in feet, ankles, or abdomen, and chest discomfort.
Medical management focuses on symptom control, while surgical repair or replacement may be necessary if regurgitation is severe or symptomatic. Minimally invasive procedures may be options depending on case specifics. Regular cardiology follow-up and lifestyle management are critical.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse is a condition where the mitral valve leaflets bulge into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This condition is often asymptomatic, but when symptomatic, it may cause palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, and arrhythmias. In some cases, it can lead to mitral regurgitation and produce a heart murmur.
Usually, treatment is conservative if mild and asymptomatic. Medications for palpitations or arrhythmias may be prescribed if present. Surgery may be necessary if significant mitral regurgitation develops or if severe symptoms emerge.
Prevention measures include taking antibiotics to control episodes of rheumatic fever, limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol, quitting smoking, following a healthy, low sodium diet, maintaining a moderate weight, and attending regular health screenings.
Mitral valve disease accounted for 34.4% of deaths due to valvular heart disease in the U.S. in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The condition can be present from birth or develop due to various reasons, including myxomatous valve disease, tissue connective disorders like Marfan syndrome, heart attacks, rheumatic heart disease after an episode of rheumatic fever, a buildup of calcium on the mitral valve opening, the muscle surrounding the mitral valve becoming too wide, endocarditis, and cardiomyopathy.
It's essential to note that not all cases of mitral valve disease present with symptoms. If a person with mitral valve disease is not displaying any symptoms, they may not require any treatment. However, a doctor may suggest making healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, following a healthy, low sodium diet, and making regular visits to a doctor.
[1] Mitral Valve Stenosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment [2] Mitral Regurgitation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment [3] Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment [4] Mitral Valve Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment [5] Mitral Valve Stenosis: Diagnosis and Treatment
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