What It Is and Why It Matters
The mitral valve is located between the heart’s left atrium and left ventricle. It plays a key role in allowing oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to flow into the left ventricle. When the heart contracts, the valve closes to prevent blood from flowing backward into the left atrium.
What Is Mitral Valve Disease?
Mitral valve disease occurs when the valve doesn’t function properly. If the valve doesn’t close completely, blood can leak backward into the atrium—a condition known as mitral regurgitation. On the other hand, if the valve becomes narrowed, it can restrict blood flow from the atrium to the ventricle, which is called mitral stenosis. In some cases, both problems—leakage and narrowing—can occur at the same time. These issues prevent the mitral valve from doing its job effectively and are collectively referred to as mitral valve disease.
Common Symptoms of Mitral Valve Disease
In the early stages of mitral valve disease, common symptoms may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath during physical activity (like climbing stairs), fatigue, and chest discomfort. As the condition progresses, palpitations may become more frequent due to irregular heart rhythms, and shortness of breath can occur even with minimal effort.
Who’s More Likely to Be Affected by Mitral Valve Problems?
Mitral valve disease can affect people of all ages, but it tends to be more common in women.
What Causes Mitral Valve Disease?
The main causes of mitral valve disease include rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart defects, degenerative disorders (such as prolapse or chordae tendineae rupture), heart attacks, ischemia (poor blood supply to the muscle that supports the valve), and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves).
When to See a Doctor for Mitral Valve Problems?
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath with exertion, palpitations, and fatigue should consult a cardiologist.
How Is It Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of mitral valve disease is typically made through a thorough physical examination followed by echocardiographic tests.
Treatment Options for Mitral Valve Disease?
In patients diagnosed with mitral valve disease, treatment options are determined by assessing the heart’s pumping function, size, pressure in the pulmonary artery, and the condition of other valves through echocardiography. Additionally, the severity of the mitral valve disease is determined based on the patient’s symptoms and any heart rhythm abnormalities.
If the disease is not too advanced, medication may be prescribed. However, medication does not offer a permanent solution but is aimed at relieving the patient’s symptoms. Regular follow-up appointments are important for patients receiving medication.
In cases where mitral valve disease has advanced, surgical treatment is recommended.
What Are the Surgical Treatment Options for Mitral Valve Disease?
There are two surgical options for correcting mitral valve disease: repairing the mitral valve or replacing it. Currently, the preferred approach for treating mitral valve disease is valve repair, especially if the condition hasn’t progressed too far. If the disease is still in its early stages, medication may be used. However, medication is not a permanent solution—it only helps alleviate symptoms. Patients on medication should be regularly monitored. If mitral valve disease has advanced, surgical treatment is recommended.
What Are the Differences Between Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement?
In mitral valve repair, the patient’s own valve is preserved, and the dysfunction is corrected, restoring normal valve function. If the valve cannot be repaired, a prosthetic valve that can perform the same functions as the natural mitral valve is implanted. Prosthetic valves can be either mechanical or biological.
Patients with mechanical valves need to take a blood thinner called “Coumadin” for life. In patients with biological valves, if there are no arrhythmias, the use of blood thinners is typically limited to 3-6 months. After this period, blood thinners are generally no longer necessary. Since biological valves may lose function over time, they are not ideal for younger patients but are more suitable for those aged 65 and older.
If a patient is experiencing issues with blood thinner use or is planning a pregnancy, a biological valve may be preferred. Therefore, the patient’s overall health condition should be carefully considered to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Post-Surgery Care for Mitral Valve Surgery
After surgery, regular follow-up appointments are important, especially a cardiology check-up every six months. Since there is a risk of infection after mitral valve repair or replacement, it is essential to have regular dental check-ups to prevent any potential sources of infection.
Additionally, in cases of infectious diseases, it is crucial for the patient to inform their doctor about their mitral valve condition. The doctor will adjust the treatment process based on this information. Patients who have undergone valve replacement must be cautious with their blood thinner use. Excessive use of blood thinners can lead to bleeding, while insufficient use can cause blood clots, so it is essential that patients strictly follow the prescribed dosage and duration recommended by their doctor.