Mitral Valve Disease

The mitral valve controls blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle as it travels from the lungs to the rest of the body. Normally, the valve opens widely when the heart muscles relax and closes tightly when they contract. Mitral valve disease makes it difficult for the valve to open and close correctly.

This can lead to atrial fibrillation or heart failure. The team at our Structural Heart and Valvular Disease Program has experience in innovative approaches and minimally invasive techniques to treat mitral valve disease.

Types of heart valve disease

Types of mitral valve disease include:

Mitral regurgitation: in which blood leaks backward through the valve
Mitral valve prolapse: in which the valve’s leaflets bulge into the left atrium
Mitral stenosis: a narrowing of the valve

Tests

Diagnosing mitral valve disease is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Chest X-Rays

Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Stress Tests

Stress tests are used to assess how your heart works during physical activity. There are several types of stress tests, including treadmill or bike stress tests, nuclear stress tests, stress echocardiograms, and chemically induced stress tests.

Treatments

Treatment will depend on the type and severity of your condition. If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may simply recommend monitoring or taking medications to treat the symptoms. If your condition is severe or worsening, you may need surgery to repair or replace the valve.

Related services

Cardiology

Emergency Medicine

Mitral Valve Disease Treatments

Pharmacy

Primary Care

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.

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