Left Atrioventricular Valve (Mitral Valve)

Introduction

The left atrioventricular valve, commonly known as the mitral valve, is one of the four main heart valves. It plays a crucial role in maintaining proper blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle. Understanding its function, structure, and common diseases associated with it is essential for recognizing cardiovascular health issues.

Anatomy and Function

The mitral valve: - Location: Between the left atrium and left ventricle. - Structure: Composed of two leaflets (anterior and posterior) supported by the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. - Function: Ensures one-way blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, preventing backflow (regurgitation) into the atrium.

Common Mitral Valve Disorders

1. Mitral Stenosis

   • Cause: Often due to rheumatic heart disease.
   • Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations.
   • Complications: Can lead to atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure.

2. Mitral Regurgitation

   • Cause: May result from mitral valve prolapse, heart attacks, or infective endocarditis.
   • Symptoms: Breathlessness, swelling of legs, irregular heartbeats.
   • Treatment options: Medications, valve repair, or surgical replacement.

3. Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)

   • Description: A condition where the valve leaflets prolapse (bulge) back into the left atrium.
   • Symptoms: Often mild but can include chest pain and dizziness.
   • Complication: In some cases, it can progress to severe mitral regurgitation.

Diagnostic Methods

• Echocardiography (Echo): The primary tool for evaluating valve function.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Assesses heart rhythm abnormalities.
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan: Provides detailed images of the heart.

Treatment Approaches

• Medications: Includes diuretics, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants for symptom management.
• Catheter-Based Procedures: Minimally invasive techniques like MitraClip.
• Valve Surgery: Mitral valve repair or replacement for severe cases.

Conclusion

The mitral valve is crucial for maintaining efficient heart function. Understanding common disorders and their treatments helps in early detection and management, preventing long-term complications.

Source recommendations

1. 2021 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease

1. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
4. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.05.061
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109723059739

2. 2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000932
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33342586/
5. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.11.035