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Diseases of Mitral & Aortic Valves

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Your heart is made up of four chambers. The two upper chambers are called the atria, and the two lower chambers are called the ventricles. Blood flows from the atria to the ventricles, and from the ventricles to the main arteries that supply blood to your body organs. Valves are located between the atria and the ventricles, and between the ventricles and the main arteries, and they ensure that blood flows in one direction. The mitral valve is the one located between the left atria and the left ventricle. Diseases of the valve include stenosis, regurgitation, or both. Stenosis is a narrowing or stiffening of the valve, causing a disruption to the blood flow. Regurgitation happens when the valve doesn't close properly, causing back-flow of blood and fluid retention in your body.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Many individuals with mild or moderate valve disorders don’t experience any symptoms. However, in more severe cases, signs and symptoms may include: * shortness of breath *heart murmur *Arrhtmia *Swollen ankles and feet * heart palpitations * fatigue * chest pain * dizziness and fainting * cough

Diagnosis

Your doctor will begin by listening to your heart with a stethoscope. They’ll listen for any heart rate abnormalities or abnormal sounds that might indicate a problem with your valve. Your doctor may also listen to your lungs to determine if there’s fluid buildup and check your body for signs of water retention. Your doctor may also order an echocardiogram - This is an ultrasound of the heart that tells your doctor about the size and shape of your heart, the pumping action of your heart and the function of the valves. Other tests that may be used to diagnose or evaluate heart valve disorders include the following: ECG, chest X-ray, stress test, MRI scan and Cardiac catheterization.

Treatment

Treatments for heart valve disorders depend on the severity of the disorder and symptoms. Treatment options include: * lifestyle changes * Medications that control blood pressure, heart rate and blood flow such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and CCB, as well as diuretics to get rid of excess fluid. * Surgical repair or replacement of the valve, via catheterization or an open surgery.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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