Mitral Valve Symptoms and Conditions
The mitral valve plays a critical role in maintaining healthy blood flow through the heart. Located between the left atrium and left ventricle, it ensures blood moves forward efficiently with each heartbeat. When the mitral valve does not function properly, it can place strain on the heart and affect overall cardiovascular health.
Understanding the symptoms and conditions that affect the mitral valve can help patients recognise when further assessment may be needed.
What is the Mitral Valve?
The mitral valve opens and closes with each heartbeat, allowing oxygen-rich blood to move from the left atrium into the left ventricle, before being pumped to the rest of the body. A healthy mitral valve opens fully and seals tightly.
Mitral valve conditions occur when the valve becomes leaky, narrowed, or structurally abnormal, affecting how efficiently blood circulates.
Common Symptoms of Mitral Valve Conditions
Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the valve condition. Some people experience mild or no symptoms for years, while others develop more noticeable changes over time.
Common symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath, particularly during activity or when lying flat
- Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Palpitations or awareness of an irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness or light-headedness
Symptoms should be discussed with your cardiologist for appropriate investigation.
Common Mitral Valve Conditions
Mitral Valve Regurgitation (Leaking Mitral Valve)
Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the valve does not close fully, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. This can cause the heart to work harder to maintain adequate blood flow.
Causes may include:
- Degenerative changes related to ageing
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Infection of the heart valve (endocarditis)
- Previous heart attack or cardiomyopathy
Symptoms may develop gradually and worsen as the condition progresses.
Mitral Valve Stenosis
Mitral valve stenosis occurs when the valve becomes narrowed and does not open fully, restricting blood flow into the left ventricle.
Common causes include:
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Calcification of the valve over time
Symptoms often develop slowly and may include breathlessness, fatigue, and palpitations, particularly during physical activity.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse occurs when one or both valve leaflets bulge backward into the left atrium during contraction of the heart.
Many people with mitral valve prolapse experience no symptoms and never require treatment. In some cases, it may be associated with mitral regurgitation or palpitations.
Congenital Mitral Valve Conditions
Some people are born with structural abnormalities of the mitral valve. These congenital conditions may be detected in childhood or later in adulthood during routine imaging or investigation for symptoms.
How Mitral Valve Conditions are Diagnosed
Mitral valve conditions are usually assessed through a combination of:
- Clinical examination
- Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Cardiac imaging, including CT or MRI (in selected cases)
Diagnosis focuses on understanding valve structure, the severity of dysfunction, and its impact on heart function.
Management and Treatment Options
Management of mitral valve conditions depends on:
- Type and severity of the condition
- Symptoms
- Overall heart function
- Patient-specific factors such as age and general health
Treatment may involve:
- Monitoring with regular imaging
- Medical therapy to manage symptoms
- Interventional or surgical options in selected cases
Not all mitral valve conditions require surgery. In many cases, careful observation and medical management may be appropriate.
When to Seek Further Assessment
Patients should speak with their GP or cardiologist if they experience:
- Persistent shortness of breath
- New or worsening fatigue
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the lower limbs
Early assessment allows appropriate monitoring and timely referral if specialist input is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mitral valve disease worsen over time?
Some mitral valve conditions may remain stable for many years, while others can progress gradually. Regular follow-up helps monitor changes.
Is surgery always required?
No. Many patients are managed with observation or medication. Surgical treatment is considered only when clinically appropriate.
Can symptoms be mild?
Yes. Some patients experience very mild symptoms or none at all, particularly in the early stages.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. All medical procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. Always seek the advice of your GP, specialist, or another appropriately qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Where further or specialised care is required, your treating practitioner can provide an appropriate referral.