Overview
The mitral valve can become narrow (stenosis), leaky (regurgitation) or floppy (prolapse). Many people need only monitoring, while others benefit from repair or replacement.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially on exertion or lying flat
- Tiredness
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- Coughing up blood in severe stenosis
Causes and risk factors
Causes include rheumatic fever, age-related wear, mitral valve prolapse, heart attacks, infection of the valve and congenital defects.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis uses a stethoscope examination, echocardiography, ECG and sometimes a transoesophageal echo.
Treatment
Treatment includes medicines for symptoms and heart rhythm, blood thinners if needed, balloon valvotomy, valve repair or replacement.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for breathlessness, palpitations or swelling. Seek emergency care for severe breathlessness or chest pain.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
