What is the Mitral Valve?

According to WebMD, "the mitral valve lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle." The mitral valve allows blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. It then closes to prevent the back flow of blood into the left atrium during ventricular contraction.

The Heart Chambers

The heart has four chambers. Which consist of two atria and two ventricles.

Each side of the heart has an atrium above and a ventricle below.

The Heart Valves

There are four heart valves, namely:

The tricuspid valve is between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

The pulmonary valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.

The mitral valve is between the left atrium and the left ventricle.

The aortic valve is between the left ventricle and the aorta.

How is the Blood in the Body Oxygenated?

Blood circulating throughout the body goes into the right side of the heart, into the right atrium then enters the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve.

From there it goes to the lungs to be oxygenated.

The oxygenated blood goes to the left atrium and through the mitral valve into the left ventricle.

This oxygenated blood is then pumped out into the body to oxygenate it.

A Normal Mitral Valve vs. An Impaired Mitral Valve

As previously mentioned the mitral valve allows blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. A normal functioning mitral valve allows blood to flow in one direction only, (from the atrium to the ventricle below.) When the heart relaxes in between beats, the two flaps of the mitral valve opens and allow blood to flow from the atrium into the ventricle. It then closes to prevent blood from the ventricle returning to the atrium.

In an impaired mitral valve the flap malfunctions. It does not close adequately causing blood to leak back into the left atrium, called mitral regurgitation. This malfunction may be due to the flaps being too big, too floppy or they maybe incorrectly shaped. This condition is called Mitral Valve Prolapse.

Mitral Valve Prolapse is one of the most common heart valve condition. Affecting 5% - 10% of the worlds population.It is usually due to a congenital defect. An illness such as rheumatic fever or an endocarditis infection of the heart muscles.

Most people with this condition have no signs and symptoms and are not aware that they have a prolapsed valve.

They have no regurgitation. They will have no problem and will need no treatment if and when it is discovered.

Others will exhibit the following signs and symptoms.

Dizziness

Anxiety

Fainting Spells.

Lightheaded

Chest Pains

Out of breathe during exercise.

Excessive tiredness

Skipped heartbeats

Experience fast beating heart rate.

Mitral Regurgitation can lead to changes in the size of the heart.

Higher pressure in the left atrium and lungs.

Increase risk of heart valve infection.

Heart failure

Patients without symptoms that know they have prolapsed mitral valve maybe checked every few years. Patients with regurgitation will be checked annually.

It is extremely important that if you have a prolapsed mitral valve you must inform your doctor and dentist when undergoing any procedure that may introduce bacteria into your blood stream. Such as dental work, colonoscopy, gynecological, minor surgery and urological procedures. Your doctor or dentist will prescribe a prophylactic or preventative course of antibiotic prior to the procedure. This is to prevent the chances of an infection that may cause endocarditis (infection of the heart muscles) a rare but serious condition.

The good news is that most people with a prolapsed mitral valve can live a normal, active, healthy and happy life.