Mitral valve disease affects the mitral valve in your heart, which controls blood flow between the left atrium and the left ventricle. If the valve doesn’t open or close properly, it can affect how blood moves through the heart. This can lead to symptoms such as tiredness, breathlessness, and irregular heartbeats.

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There are different types, including mitral valve regurgitation (leaky valve), mitral valve stenosis (narrowed valve), and mitral valve prolapse (floppy valve).

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What are the symptoms of Mitral Valve Disease?

 

Symptoms depend on the type and severity of the condition. Some people may not notice any symptoms at first.

Common symptoms include:

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• Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down

• Fatigue or tiredness

• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

• Swelling in the ankles, feet or abdomen

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Dizziness or fainting

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What increases my risk of Mitral Valve Disease?

 

Your risk may be higher if you have:

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• A history of rheumatic fever or endocarditis

• High blood pressure

• Heart failure or other heart conditions

• Autoimmune diseases

• A family history of valve disease

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How is Mitral Valve Disease diagnosed?

 

Your doctor will listen to your heart for unusual sounds (murmurs) and ask about your symptoms.

Tests may include:

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• Echocardiogram – the main test to see how the valve is working

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – to check your heart rhythm

• Chest X-ray – to look for changes in the size or shape of your heart

• Cardiac MRI – to get detailed images of your heart

• Cardiac catheterisation – to measure pressures inside the heart

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What is the treatment for Mitral Valve Disease?

 

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and whether it is causing symptoms.

Options may include:

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• Monitoring – mild cases may just need regular check-ups

• Medication, such as:

  • Diuretics to reduce fluid build-up

  • Blood pressure or heart rhythm medicines

  • Blood thinners if you’re at risk of clots

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• Procedures, such as:

  • Mitral valve repair (surgery to fix the valve)

  • Mitral valve replacement (surgery to replace the valve with a mechanical or tissue valve)

  • Less invasive techniques such as balloon valvotomy (for stenosis) or transcatheter valve repair

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Your doctor will recommend the most suitable option based on your heart function and symptoms.

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More information:

For more support and advice, visit the NHS Mitral Valve Disease page or the British Heart Foundation.