Mitral valve disease is dysfunction of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. It has two main forms: mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation.
What is Mitral Valve Disease?#
The mitral valve regulates blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. In valve disease, this function is impaired and creates additional burden on the heart.
Types of Mitral Valve Disease:
- Mitral stenosis
- Mitral regurgitation
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Combined mitral valve disease
Mitral Stenosis#
Causes#
- Rheumatic heart disease (most common)
- Degenerative calcification
- Congenital mitral stenosis
- Systemic diseases
Symptoms#
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations (atrial fibrillation)
- Fatigue
- Hemoptysis (coughing blood)
- Leg swelling
Grading#
| Grade | Valve Area | Mean Gradient |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | >1.5 cm² | <5 mmHg |
| Moderate | 1.0-1.5 cm² | 5-10 mmHg |
| Severe | <1.0 cm² | >10 mmHg |
Mitral Regurgitation#
Causes#
Primary (Organic):
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Rheumatic disease
- Endocarditis
- Degenerative changes
Secondary (Functional):
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic heart disease
- Left ventricular dilation
Symptoms#
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Leg swelling
Grading#
- Mild: Regurgitant volume <30 ml
- Moderate: Regurgitant volume 30-59 ml
- Severe: Regurgitant volume ≥60 ml
Mitral Valve Disease Diagnosis#
Physical Examination#
- Diastolic rumble (stenosis)
- Systolic murmur (regurgitation)
- Heart sound changes
Imaging#
- Transthoracic echocardiography
- Transesophageal echocardiography
- Cardiac MRI
- Cardiac CT
Additional Tests#
- ECG
- Holter monitoring
- Exercise test
- Coronary angiography
Mitral Valve Disease Treatment#
Medical Treatment#
- Diuretics
- Beta blockers
- Anticoagulation (if AF present)
- Heart failure treatment
Interventional Treatment#
Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty:
- In suitable mitral stenosis
- Minimally invasive
- Rapid recovery
MitraClip:
- In severe mitral regurgitation
- For high-risk surgical patients
- Catheter-based treatment
Surgical Treatment#
Mitral Valve Repair:
- Preferred method
- Preservation of own valve
- Better long-term outcomes
Mitral Valve Replacement:
- If repair not possible
- Mechanical or bioprosthetic valve
Frequently Asked Questions#
What are the symptoms of mitral valve disease?
How is mitral stenosis treated?
What is MitraClip?
Can I exercise with mitral valve disease?
What is life like after mitral valve surgery?
Appointment and Contact#
If you would like to schedule an appointment for mitral valve disease evaluation:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content has been prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Other structural heart treatments related to mitral valve disease:
- MitraClip - Transcatheter mitral valve repair
- Balloon Valvuloplasty - Balloon valve dilation
- Echocardiography - Valve assessment
- Tricuspid Valve - Tricuspid valve diseases
- Heart Failure - Heart failure treatment