Mitral Valve Disease
Quick Facts
- Common names: Mitral valve disorder, Mitral insufficiency, Mitral valve prolapse
- Affected population: Adults over 50, those with rheumatic heart disease
- Key symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, chest discomfort
- Treatment approach: Medications, valve repair or replacement surgery
What is Mitral Valve Disease?
Mitral valve disease encompasses several conditions affecting the mitral valve, which controls blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. The two main types are mitral regurgitation (leaky valve) where blood flows backward, and mitral stenosis (narrowed valve) where blood flow is restricted. These conditions can strain the heart and lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Common Symptoms
Based on patient reports, the most frequently experienced symptoms include:
Difficulty breathing, especially during activity or when lying flat
Persistent tiredness and reduced exercise capacity
Heart palpitations or atrial fibrillation
Chest discomfort or pain, especially with exertion
Feeling of pressure or constriction in the chest
Lightheadedness or feeling faint
Rapid heartbeat, especially during physical activity
Excessive sweating, particularly with minimal exertion
Sleep disturbances possibly related to breathing difficulties
Types of Mitral Valve Disease
Mitral Regurgitation (MR)
The valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. This is the most common type of heart valve disorder. Can be acute (sudden) or chronic (gradual).
Mitral Stenosis (MS)
The valve opening becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Often caused by rheumatic fever, though less common in developed countries.
Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
The valve leaflets bulge (prolapse) into the left atrium during heart contraction. Usually benign but can progress to mitral regurgitation in some cases.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Rheumatic fever: Previous infection causing valve scarring
- Age-related changes: Valve degeneration over time
- Congenital defects: Born with abnormal valve structure
- Heart attack: Damage to muscles controlling the valve
- Infective endocarditis: Infection of the heart valve
- Connective tissue disorders: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos
- Radiation therapy: Previous chest radiation
- Certain medications: Some diet pills (now discontinued)
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers use various tests to diagnose mitral valve disease:
- Physical examination: Listening for heart murmurs with stethoscope
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound to visualize valve structure and function
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects irregular heart rhythms
- Chest X-ray: Shows heart size and lung congestion
- Cardiac MRI: Detailed imaging of heart structures
- Cardiac catheterization: Measures pressures in heart chambers
- Exercise stress test: Evaluates symptoms during activity
Treatment Options
Medical Management
- Diuretics: Reduce fluid buildup and ease breathing
- Beta-blockers: Control heart rate and blood pressure
- ACE inhibitors: Reduce heart workload
- Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots in atrial fibrillation
- Antiarrhythmics: Control irregular heart rhythms
Surgical Interventions
- Mitral valve repair: Preferred when possible, preserves native valve
- Mitral valve replacement: Mechanical or biological valve
- Minimally invasive surgery: Smaller incisions, faster recovery
- Transcatheter procedures: MitraClip for high-risk patients
- Balloon valvuloplasty: For mitral stenosis
Severity Classification
Stages of Mitral Valve Disease
- Stage A: At risk, no valve damage
- Stage B: Progressive valve disease, no symptoms
- Stage C: Severe valve disease, may have symptoms
- Stage D: Symptomatic severe valve disease
Living with Mitral Valve Disease
- Regular monitoring: Follow-up echocardiograms as recommended
- Dental hygiene: Prevent endocarditis with good oral care
- Exercise: Appropriate activity level based on severity
- Diet: Low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention
- Weight management: Maintain healthy body weight
- Symptom tracking: Report changes to healthcare provider
- Medication compliance: Take prescribed medications regularly
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention for:
- Sudden, severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain that doesn't improve with rest
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Coughing up blood or pink, frothy sputum
- Rapid, irregular heartbeat with dizziness
- Sudden weakness or inability to exercise
Complications
Untreated mitral valve disease can lead to:
- Heart failure: Weakened heart unable to pump effectively
- Atrial fibrillation: Irregular heart rhythm increasing stroke risk
- Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in lungs
- Stroke: From blood clots forming in the heart
- Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valve
Prognosis
The outlook for mitral valve disease varies based on:
- Type and severity: Mild cases may remain stable for years
- Treatment timing: Early intervention improves outcomes
- Overall health: Other medical conditions affect prognosis
- Treatment response: Most patients improve with appropriate care
- Surgical success: Valve repair has excellent long-term results
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.