Mitral valve prolapse affects nearly
five percent of Americans, according to Harvard Medical School. If
you have this cardiac disorder or think you may have it, take a look
at what you need to know.
The Condition
What is mitral valve prolapse? As the
name implies, this cardiac condition happens when one of the heart
valves (the mitral valve) does not close properly. The valve has two
flaps that should collapse backwards and close completely. This stops
the flow of blood from leaking back through the valve.
This common condition ranges from mild
(no or very minor symptoms) to serious. Many people with mitral valve
prolapse aren't aware they have the issue. But when blood leaks back
through the valve, the patient has mitral regurgitation. Mitral
regurgitation may cause noticeable symptoms. Read on for more
information on prolapse, regurgitation, and the symptoms of both.
The Symptoms
What symptoms do people with mitral
valve prolapse or regurgitation have? Again, some people have no
symptoms of mitral valve prolapse. But if you have regurgitation or
you have a more pronounced prolapse, you may have signs that include:
- Heart palpitations.
This
burst of rapid heartbeats may feel like a fluttering or pounding in
your chest. Along with mitral valve issues, palpations are also a
potential sign of other cardiac conditions such as arrhythmia or
atrial fibrillation.
- Fatigue.
Some people with
regurgitation may feel excessive fatigue.
- Chest discomfort.
Palpitations aren't the only odd feeling people with prolapse or
regurgitation may have. You may also have generalized discomfort in
your chest.
- Shortness of breath.
This
is felt more often with regurgitation, in comparison to prolapse on
its own.
If you have any of these symptoms or
any other heart-related discomfort, contact your medical provider
immediately. While mitral valve prolapse typically isn't serious, you
need a doctor's diagnosis to rule out other possible conditions.
The Diagnosis
How do doctors diagnose this cardiac
condition? When you go to your office visit the doctor will examine
you and:
- Listen to your heart. The
medical provider will listen for a telltale click-murmur sound. This
indicates the abnormal flow of blood through the heart's valves.
- Prescribe an echocardiogram.
This non-invasive test allows the doctor to see your heart through
the use of soundwaves as it beats and pumps blood.
- Prescribe an electrocardiogram.
The ECG records the electrical activity of your heart. The doctor
can use it to detect abnormal rhythms.
- Prescribe a cardiac
catheterization. In more serious cases, the doctor may use this
test to detect regurgitation. This test uses a contrast agent and an
x-ray to detect heart valve function and narrowing or blockages in
arteries.
- Prescribe a cardiac MRI.
This magnetic imagining test allows the doctor to see a detailed
picture of the muscle and the valves inside.
The specific test or test you need
depends on your individual health needs and what the doctor
determines is necessary.
The Treatment
How can you treat mitral valve
prolapse? If you have no or very minor symptoms, the doctor may not
prescribe a treatment. Instead, the doctor may ask you to return for
annual preventative check-up appointments.
If your symptoms progress, you're in
pain, or the doctor sees noticeable changes in the heart muscle or
how it functions, they may:
- Prescribe a medication.
Beta-blockers are common prescription drugs used to reduce the
symptoms of this cardiac condition.
- Recommend valve repair.
This invasive procedure repairs the valve and can improve cardiac
function.
- Recommend valve replacement.
Like repair, this surgery can reduce symptoms and help to restore
heart function.
Always follow your doctor's treatment
plan. Failure to take prescribed medication or return for check-up
appointments may increase the risks of a minor condition developing
into something worse.
Do you need cardiac testing? Contact Anderson
Heart & Vascular, PC
for
more information.
