Overview of mitral valve disease

A mitral valve can be diseased in two ways: stenosis or regurgitation.

Female patient smiling at her doctor

Mitral valve disease symptoms

Mitral valve disease symptoms can vary and, at times, be confused with the regular process of aging. Some patients have minimal symptoms, but mitral valve disease is progressive and will eventually cause the heart to fail if left untreated.

If left untreated, mitral valve disease can result in heart failure, atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension—all of which further reduce the patient’s functional capacity and ability to carry out activities of daily living.

Mitral valve disease symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen ankles or feet
  • Difficulty lying flat, needing multiple pillows or to sit up

Possible complications of mitral valve surgery

As in every procedure, there are risks associated with mitral valve surgery

Possible mitral valve surgery risks include:

  • A leak between the new valve and the native tissue
  • Injury to the conduction system of the heart, possibly needing a pacemaker
  • Limiting blood flow to the heart by inadvertent blockage of the coronary arteries
  • Bleeding requiring blood transfusion
  • Infection
  • Stroke
  • Death

Diagnosing mitral valve disease

The most important test to help diagnose mitral valve disease is an echocardiogram, which provides information about the extent of stenosis or regurgitation alongside the anatomic reason for the valve dysfunction.

Diagnostic tests that help detect mitral valve disease include:

  • EKG
  • Chest X-ray
  • Echocardiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization to look at the pressures in the lung and the blood vessels to the heart
  • MRI to assess the valve and ventricular function
  • CT scan to look at calcification

Mitral valve disease treatment

Mitral valve disease treatment depends on the severity of the mitral valve disease and symptoms. Treatment decisions are made by a team of specialists, including a cardiologist, cardiac surgeon and primary care physician.

What to expect with mitral valve surgery

Preoperative

After an evaluation by the heart team and undergoing appropriate testing, you will meet our nurse educator who will give you a booklet and talk to you about the stepwise progression you will be expected to make through your heart surgery. Your medications will be discussed, and you may be asked to stop certain medications up to one week before the mitral valve procedure. It is important to plan ahead and make arrangements for transportation to and from the hospital and also help at home after the mitral valve procedure.