مقالات صحيه

The mitral valve: its functions and diseases that may affect it

What are the functions of mitral valve?

What are the functions of mitral valve?

Separates the top left chamber (left atrium) from the bottom left chamber (left ventricle). Opens to allow blood to be pumped from the lungs to the left atrium. Prevents the back flow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium

Mitral valve: its location and function

The mitral valve is one of the four valves of the heart . The mitral valve is located on the left side of the heart, separating the left atrium and left ventricle.

The main function of the mitral valve is to allow pure oxygenated blood to pass from the left atrium to the left ventricle, after this blood arrives from the lungs, where the atrium begins to gradually fill, and when it is completely filled with blood, the mitral valve opens so that blood flows to the left ventricle The left ventricle fills with blood, and the mitral valve closes to prevent blood from returning to the left atrium, a process that takes no more than a few seconds.

The main function of the mitral valve is to maintain blood flow in one direction and prevent its return to the atrium, but when the mitral valve becomes defective, which prevents it from performing its function perfectly, the matter may worsen if left untreated to cause various diseases and serious complications, such as a seizure hearty;

Mitral valve diseases and problems 

These are the types of diseases and health problems that may affect the mitral valve (or mitral valve):

1- Mitral valve stenosis

This type of mitral valve problem occurs when the valve becomes too narrow to pass enough blood into the left ventricle.

Mitral valve stenosis may arise from factors such as:

  • Incidence of rheumatic heart disease.
  • Accumulation of some harmful fat around the valve as a result of: advanced age, congenital heart defect.

2- mitral valve prolapse

This type of mitral valve problem occurs when the leaflets, flaps, or inner folds of the mitral valve relax while the valve is closed.

Where the aforementioned leaflets are supposed to close on themselves completely and tightly to prevent blood flow into the valve, but in the case of mitral valve prolapse, and if the mitral valve is closed, these leaflets begin to swell or droop like a parachute, which may cause blood flow through the valve abnormally during The period when it is supposed to be completely closed.

Mitral valve prolapse may arise from factors such as:

  • Heart valve tissue impairment as a result of: congenital heart defect, Marfan syndrome.
  • Damage to the muscles of the heart itself, as may occur in a heart attack.

3- Mitral valve regurgitation or mitral valve regurgitation.

In this type of mitral valve problem , blood begins to flow from the left ventricle back into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts, which is abnormal.

Mitral valve regurgitation may be caused by factors such as:

  • Having high blood pressure and neglecting to get the necessary treatment.
  • Incidence of cardiomyopathy.
  • Incidence of infection endocarditis (endocarditis).
  • Congenital heart disease.

Symptoms of a mitral valve defect

Sometimes a person with a defect in the mitral valve may not have any symptoms, and other times, the person may have certain symptoms. Here is a list of the most important ones:

  • Tiredness and fatigue .
  • cough.
  • Shortness of breath, especially when lying down or exercising.
  • Feeling of pain or tightness in the chest.
  • Palpitations or rapid heartbeat.
  • dizziness and lightheadedness;

It is worth noting that the aforementioned symptoms may appear only when the body goes through certain conditions that increase stress and fatigue, such as infection or pregnancy.

Treatment and control of mitral valve problems 

There are different ways to treat problems and diseases of the mitral valve, the most appropriate is selected among them according to the patient’s condition, such as:

  • Non-surgical methods, including: certain medications, adopting a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet.
  • Monitor the progression of the disease by: visiting the doctor periodically and without neglect, undergoing echocardiography from time to time.
  • Surgical procedures ranging from mild to severe, such as: valvuloplasty, mitral valve replacement.

Complications of mitral valve problems 

If left untreated, mitral valve problems can cause the following serious complications over time:

  • Heart palpitations.
  • Formation of blood clots in the body.
  • Having a stroke or heart attack.
  • Problems with the blood vessels in the lungs.
  • heart failure

source : wikipedia

مقالات ذات صلة

زر الذهاب إلى الأعلى