Mitral Valve Disease

The mitral valve is positioned on the left side of the heart between the upper and lower chambers. This valve prevents blood from going into the left ventricle as blood is pumped into the aorta.  When the valve doesn’t close tightly, leaks, or doesn’t open adequately (stenosis), the condition is known as mitral valve disease. Left untreated, mitral valve disease can lead to heart failure.

Symptoms can include: Shortness of breath, palpitations in the chest, chest pain, severe swelling, fainting or light headedness, abdominal pain, increased wet coughing, decreased endurance, lethargy and the onset if irregular heart rhythms.

Surgery

Mitral valve disease occurs when the valve leaks and doesn’t close properly or doesn’t open adequately. If a valve is not repaired or replaced, it can lead to blood clots, heart enlargement, stroke or heart failure.

Mitral valve surgery is required to stop leakage, usually because of a prolapse (the valve doesn’t close properly). Most valves that leak (called mitral regurgitation) can be repaired rather than replaced. If the valve has narrowed, it usually has to be replaced with a mechanical or tissue valve.

Medical Management

Medication alone cannot prevent or stop mitral valve disease. However, in some cases it can slow its progress. Clinical trials have shown that some people may benefit from the use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-blocking and beta-blocking drugs.

Following are medications that may be prescribed to slow the progress of mitral valve disease or relieve symptoms:

ACE inhibitors: Increase the width of blood vessels, lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s workload.

Anticoagulants: Help prevent blood clots, particularly in cases where patients have heart rhythm problems.

Beta-blockers: Control the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Calcium channel blockers: Like beta-blockers, these medications can help control the heart rate and decrease blood pressure.

Digitalis: Decreases the workload of the heart and minimizes some symptoms.

Diuretics: Lower sodium and fluid levels, helping to reduce blood pressure as it passes through the valves. They also help decrease the level of swelling.