Mitral Valve Disorders

Mitral valve disorders can cause various symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the condition:

• Mitral valve prolapse (MVP): Symptoms can include heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, dizziness, anxiety and migraines.
• Mitral valve regurgitation: Symptoms might include shortness of breath, cough, lightheadedness, fatigue, heart palpitations, waking up due to breathing difficulties and excessive urination at night. Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, particularly after a heart attack or an infection.
• Mitral valve stenosis: Symptoms often appear gradually and can include difficulty breathing during exercise, chest discomfort, fatigue, heart palpitations, cough (sometimes with bloody phlegm), frequent respiratory infections and swelling of the feet or ankles. In children, symptoms may include cough, poor feeding, poor growth and shortness of breath. 

Mitral valve disorders can be caused by various factors:

• Mitral valve prolapse (MVP): Often congenital (present from birth) and can run in families. Risk factors include age, rheumatic fever, congenital heart defects, thyroid conditions like Graves’ Disease, scoliosis and muscular dystrophy.
• Mitral valve regurgitation: Often develops gradually over time due to valve wear and tear, cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease and infections. Acute causes include heart attacks, valve structure damage or infections.
• Mitral valve stenosis: Most commonly caused by rheumatic fever that damages the valve over time. Other causes include calcium deposits around the valve, radiation treatment to the chest, certain medications or congenital defects. 

Mitral valve disorders are diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical exams and diagnostic tests:

• Medical history and physical exam: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, risk factors and family history of heart valve conditions. During a physical exam, the provider may listen for abnormal heart sounds like murmurs or clicks.
• Diagnostic tests:
  • Echocardiogram (Echo): Uses sound waves to visualize the heart’s valves and chambers and is the most common test for diagnosing valve disorders.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity to detect rhythm abnormalities.
  • Chest X-ray: Checks for heart enlargement or lung issues.
  • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): Provides more detailed images of the heart valves.
  • Cardiac CT or MRI: Offers detailed imaging of heart structures.
  • Cardiac catheterization: May be used if further evaluation is needed, particularly if the condition worsens. 

Preventing mitral valve disorders largely focuses on managing overall heart health:

• Mitral valve prolapse: While you cannot prevent MVP, maintaining oral hygiene, following your provider’s advice on antibiotics before dental work or surgery and regular checkups can help prevent complications.
• Mitral valve regurgitation: Preventive measures include managing risk factors for coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and other heart conditions. Monitoring and timely treatment of known congenital heart defects are also important.
• Mitral valve stenosis: Preventive strategies include treating strep infections promptly to prevent rheumatic fever, monitoring known congenital defects and managing conditions that contribute to valve calcification. 

The prognosis for mitral valve disorders varies based on the specific condition and how well it is managed:

• Mitral valve prolapse: Most individuals with MVP have a normal life expectancy and do not experience significant health problems.
• Mitral Valve regurgitation and stenosis: With proper management, many patients can lead healthy lives. However, severe cases may lead to complications like heart failure if not adequately treated. Regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments and adherence to prescribed treatments are crucial for maintaining heart health and quality of life.