About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding the Mitral Valve and Its Role in the Heart
Introduction
The mitral valve is one of the four main valves in the heart and plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It ensures that blood moves in the correct direction and prevents backflow.
Anatomy and Function
- The mitral valve consists of two leaflets, unlike the other heart valves, which usually have three.
- It is responsible for controlling the one-way flow of oxygenated blood from the lungs into the left ventricle, where it is then pumped to the rest of the body.
- The chordae tendineae (tendinous cords) and papillary muscles help in maintaining proper valve function, preventing prolapse.
Common Mitral Valve Disorders
1. Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
- A condition where the mitral valve leaflets bulge (prolapse) into the left atrium during systole.
- Can lead to mitral regurgitation if the valve doesn’t seal properly.
- Symptoms: Palpitations, chest discomfort, fatigue.
2. Mitral Regurgitation
- Occurs when the mitral valve doesn’t close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium.
- Causes: Rheumatic fever, MVP, endocarditis, cardiomyopathy.
- Treatment: Medications (diuretics, vasodilators), valve repair or replacement.
3. Mitral Stenosis
- A narrowing of the valve opening, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
- Often caused by rheumatic fever.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation).
- Treatment: Balloon valvuloplasty, valve replacement.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) is the primary tool for assessing mitral valve function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and MRI may be used in complex cases.
- Treatment varies from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical intervention (valve repair or replacement).
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Control blood pressure and maintain a low-salt diet.
- Regular cardiac check-ups if you have a known mitral condition.
- Avoid smoking and manage stress to improve heart function.
Conclusion
Mitral valve diseases are common but manageable with early diagnosis and proper treatment. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart palpitations, consult a cardiologist for a comprehensive evaluation.
Source recommendations
1. 2020 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guideline for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/12/16/21/58/2020-ACC-AHA-VHD-GL-Pt-1-GL-VHD
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33342586/
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.11.035
2. 2021 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.05.061
- https://www.eacts.org/clinical-practice-guideline/esc-eacts-guidelines-for-the-management-of-valvular-heart-disease/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.