Mitral valve prolapse - what is it and what are its dangers
The pathology, in which at the time of contraction of the left ventricle of the heart, the valve leaflet bends into the atrium, is called mitral valve prolapse. The disease belongs to heart defects and is most often diagnosed in women aged 14-30. What is mitral valve prolapse and what are its dangers - these questions can be answered in this material. Prolapse in some medical sources is called mitral regurgitation.
Reasons of development
The pathology is characterized by the fact that a small part of the blood returns to the atrium, that is, it does not enter the aorta. This condition is often asymptomatic. Usually, it is generally diagnosed "accidentally" during a routine preventive examination or in connection with examinations for other problems of the cardiovascular system.
The causes of prolapse of the anterior leaflet of the valve are also not known for sure. Some experts claim that the pathology is related to hereditary diseases of the connective tissue - for example, it can be osteogenesis imperfecta or Marfan's syndrome.
How is mitral valve prolapse manifested
Despite the fact that the disease is characterized by an asymptomatic course, some health disorders may become a reason for a full examination. The symptoms of mitral valve prolapse of the 1st degree without regurgitation are especially pronounced:
- periodically there are pains in the left half of the sternum, which cannot be relieved with nitroglycerin;
- the patient constantly tries to take a deep breath, because he is short of air. Shortness of breath develops;
- constantly present accelerated or slowed heartbeat;
- regular severe dizziness and fainting;
- increase in temperature to insignificant indicators;
- headaches that occur mainly at night and/or in the morning.
General principles of treatment
After an accurate diagnosis is established, the cardiologist will select treatment tactics. If the pathology proceeds without visible symptoms and does not affect the patient's life, the specialist will simply observe the state of health. And the treatment of mitral valve prolapse of the 2nd degree with regurgitation can be carried out surgically, since problems with breathing and the work of the heart can cause a lot of inconvenience to the patient. The danger of this stage of development of the pathology is that the valve may simply not close or open one day, and a fatal outcome is quite likely. True, for such a development of events, the presence of several factors is necessary - for example, a serious infectious disease, pathologies of the respiratory system, injuries and surgical intervention for any reason.
Operation for the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse consists in prosthetics or plastic surgery of the valve. It is performed by cardiac surgeons and is considered a routine procedure that is almost never accompanied by complications.
The most popular questions about mitral valve prolapse
The pathology is rarely diagnosed and is mostly asymptomatic, so people ask a lot of questions:
- Do people with mitral valve prolapse join the army? In most cases, these concepts are completely compatible. But with the 2nd and 3rd degree of the disease, doctors prescribe a full examination and individually determine the young man's suitability for military service. There is no unequivocal answer to the question.
- Is it possible to do sports with mitral valve prolapse? Professional classes will have to be left, and visits to gyms and fitness classes are possible. The trainer must be aware of the diagnosis. He will select the permitted loads, at which the well-being will not deteriorate.
- How is pregnancy and illness combined? Gynecologists and cardiologists do not consider this pathology as a contraindication to conception - pregnancy with minor prolapse of the mitral valve occurs within normal limits. In addition, the disease does not affect the intrauterine development of the future child, but the woman will be under the control of medical professionals.
- Is it possible to develop complications in the absence of treatment? So, despite the asymptomatic course, mitral valve prolapse can lead to the development of myocarditis, endocarditis (inflammatory diseases of heart tissues), persistent arrhythmia and mitral insufficiency. Any of the listed complications requires surgical treatment aimed at replacing the valve.
Only specialists will be able to answer all your questions in more detail. They will provide information on how to treat primary mitral valve prolapse. You can make an appointment with a doctor on our website Dobrobut.com.
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