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.
The Mitral Valve: Structure, Function, and Disorders
Introduction
The mitral valve is one of the four main valves in the heart, playing a crucial role in ensuring blood flows correctly between the left atrium and left ventricle. Understanding its function, common disorders, and treatment options is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Anatomy and Function
- Location: Between the left atrium and left ventricle.
- Structure: Consists of two leaflets (anterior and posterior) supported by chordae tendineae and papillary muscles.
- Function: Allows oxygenated blood from the lungs to pass into the left ventricle and prevents backflow into the atrium during ventricular contraction.
Common Mitral Valve Disorders
1. Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
- Occurs when the valve leaflets bulge into the left atrium.
- Often asymptomatic but can cause palpitations, dizziness, and chest discomfort.
2. Mitral Regurgitation (MR)
- Occurs when the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward.
- Causes symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the lower extremities.
3. Mitral Stenosis
- The valve thickens or stiffens, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
- Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnostic Methods
- Echocardiography (primary tool to assess valve function).
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate heart rhythm.
- Cardiac MRI for detailed imaging.
- Stress tests to assess functional capacity.
Treatment Options
- Medications: Diuretics, beta-blockers, or anticoagulants may help control symptoms.
- Surgical Procedures:
- Mitral Valve Repair (preferred when feasible).
- Mitral Valve Replacement (mechanical or biological prosthesis).
- Transcatheter Procedures (for high-risk surgical candidates).
Conclusion
Regular check-ups and early diagnosis are vital in managing mitral valve disorders. If you experience symptoms like breathlessness or palpitations, consult a cardiologist for an evaluation.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000932
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-acc-aha-guideline-for-the-management-of-patients-with-valvular-heart-disease
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17259184/
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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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