Mitral valve insufficiency is a heart disorder that develops when the direction of blood flow changes. It ranks among the most prevalent heart diseases. If the condition is not treated, it can pose serious, life-threatening risks.
What is Mitral Valve Insufficiency?
Mitral insufficiency is a condition that directly impacts the valve and may result in additional complications if not addressed. This disorder can be present at birth or develop later in life. The mitral valve guides blood from the heart's upper left chamber into the lower left chamber. When the valve opens, blood moves downward; closing the valve halts the flow. Essentially, blood does not flow back up. If the valve becomes compromised, however, it might not close fully and blood can leak backward.
Causes and Side Effects of Mitral Valve Insufficiency
There are several possible causes behind mitral valve disorders. These causes can be described as follows:Mitral Valve Prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse refers to the bulging of the mitral valve toward the upper left chamber during heart contraction. This issue can prevent the valve from sealing properly and may allow blood to leak backward.
Rheumatic Fever: Rheumatic fever, which is a side effect of an untreatable streptococcal (a type of bacteria) throat infection, can damage the mitral valve. If a valve disease develops due to rheumatic fever, it is called rheumatic mitral valve disease.
Heart Attack: A heart attack can harm the section of heart muscle that supports the valve. If the damage is substantial during the attack, this may result in sudden and severe mitral valve insufficiency. When this occurs, it is referred to as ischemic mitral regurgitation.
Congenital: Some people may have congenitally damaged heart valves.
Cardiomyopathy: This condition is known as the thickening of the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the body. This can cause insufficiency because it affects the way the mitral valve works.
Calcium: Excess calcium accumulated on the mitral valve can lead to insufficiency.
Damage: Over time, the parts of the mitral valve that attach to the heart wall may stretch and tear. It can be seen especially in people experiencing prolapse and chest injuries. A rupture causes the valve to suddenly leak blood. It may require surgery.
Endocarditis: Endocarditis, which is inflammation of the inner membrane of the heart's chambers and valves, may occur as a result of an infection. The microbes that cause infection can also stick to a damaged place in the heart.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy for cancer to the chest area can lead to mitral valve regurgitation.
If not treated, mitral valve disease can lead to negative effects. These effects may include an enlarged heart, abnormal heart rhythms, stroke, heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
Symptoms of Mitral Valve Insufficiency
Mitral valve insufficiency may be asymptomatic in its early stages. As the disease progresses, it impacts how the heart functions, and shortness of breath is often the first sign. If you struggle to breathe while resting, lying down, or attempting to sleep, you may have mitral insufficiency. Other symptoms of mitral valve disease include:
• Swelling in the legs or feet,
• Excessive fatigue,
• Feeling lightheaded or close to fainting (presyncope),
• Irregular heartbeats,
• Persistent cough,
• Discomfort or pain in the chest,
These symptoms can develop gradually. Those that may arise suddenly include:
• Rapid breathing and shortness of breath (labored breathing),
• Sensation of suffocation,
• Trouble breathing when lying flat,
• Tightness in the chest,
• Lowered oxygen levels in the blood.
What are the Types of Mitral Valve Insufficiency?
Mitral regurgitation is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary insufficiency occurs when valve damage prevents it from closing properly. In secondary insufficiency, changes in the lower or upper left heart chambers, such as those caused by cardiomyopathy, can enlarge and weaken the heart, altering chamber positions and stopping the valve from sealing. Both types can develop suddenly and severely or progress slowly over time.
Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Insufficiency
Diagnosing mitral valve insufficiency begins with a comprehensive physical exam. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms, then may order further tests. The most frequently used test is a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). TTE uses sound waves to create images of the heart painlessly and without penetration. This imaging shows if blood is leaking backward through the valve or if other heart issues exist. For clearer visualization, a transesophageal echocardiogram may also be used. Additional tests like computed tomography (CT), stress echocardiogram (ECHO), magnetic resonance imaging, or cardiac catheterization may be conducted to determine the condition's severity.
Treatment of Mitral Valve Insufficiency
Treatment for mitral valve insufficiency can differ based on the specifics of the condition.
- Medication: Your doctor may prescribe specific medicines to help reduce symptoms.
- End-to-end repair: A small clip is attached to the valve leaflets, allowing them to close more effectively.
- Valve replacement: The damaged valve is replaced with a mechanical or bioprosthetic option.
- Transcatheter valve replacement: This technique replaces the valve with less invasive surgery compared to standard valve replacement.
- Valve repair: Surgery is performed to restore the proper function of the mitral valve.
- Minimally invasive valve repair: Valve repair can also be accomplished using smaller surgical cuts.
Mitral Valve Insufficiency and Quality of Life
Mitral valve insufficiency is recognized as a condition that impacts quality of life. It can reduce quality of life in several ways, including causing shortness of breath, tiredness, and restricting daily activity. For this reason, seeking treatment is important. Medications and surgical options may enhance well-being. In addition, you can further support your quality of life by maintaining oral hygiene, reducing stress, exercising according to medical advice, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and getting enough sleep.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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Frequently Asked Questions
People with mitral valve insufficiency and their families often have questions about the risks of the disease and what to expect after surgery.
Is Mitral Valve Insufficiency Dangerous?
If left untreated, mitral valve regurgitation can be life-threatening. It can cause atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke. Heart failure may develop as the heart can no longer supply enough blood to the body. Raised pressure in the blood vessels from the heart to the lungs, known as pulmonary hypertension, can occur. Sudden cardiac arrest is also possible.
What is the Post-Surgery Life Cycle?
Recovery after mitral insufficiency surgery can differ among patients. Typically, you will be observed in the hospital for a few days following surgery. During this time, your overall health will be monitored. Physical therapy and individualized exercises may be provided. Your specialist might prescribe medications to prevent blood clots or help control your heart rhythm. Nutrition also plays a key role after surgery. Following a low-sodium diet can benefit your heart health, and your dietitian can assist with meal planning. Regular follow-up visits may be needed so your doctor can evaluate your progress and offer guidance on improving your quality of life.
Can Mitral Valve Insufficiency Be Prevented?
If you did not have mitral insufficiency at birth, certain measures may help prevent the condition. Although these steps cannot guarantee complete protection, controlling rheumatic fever with antibiotics, quitting smoking, choosing a healthy and low-sodium diet, scheduling regular checkups, and reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can lower the risk of developing mitral insufficiency.