Mitral Valve allows blood to flow in one direction from the atrium (upper chamber) to the ventricle (lower chamber). It is one of the four valves separating different chambers of the heart. Mitral valve causes problem if it doesnt open and close as per its functionality.
It causes blood to leak backwards into the upper chamber of the heart, leading to a ‘heart murmur’. This is called as Mitral Valve Prolapse. The functioning of your heart is normal at this point of time. This does not worsen over a period of time, but is one of the main reasons for cardiac problems.
Mitral valve prolapse is very common among women although men are targeted too. It can strike in early adulthood. It is considered to be a hereditary problem. Mitral Valve Prolapse syndrome is also called as dysautonomia.
One of the main reasons which cause an increase in mitral valve prolapse syndrome is stress. The cause of stress can be due to childbirth, drastic events, and life turning experiences and day to day stress in life. Nearly 60% of the patients with MVP do not show symptoms. The other 40% does show some sign, which you should be aware of.
Some Signs and Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome
-Irregular Heartbeat
-Fatigue
-Chest Pain
-Racing Heart
-Dizziness
-Headaches
-Shortness of Breath
-Palpitation
-Anxiety
Causes of Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome
-Hereditary
-Stress
-Caffeine
-Stimulants
-Sweets
-Alcohol
-Smoking
-Menopause
-Skipping Meals
-Dehydration
In many instances, having MVP won’t impact your health and requires no treatment. Talk with your health care team about how to prevent complications from MVP based on your level of risk. If you’re prescribed medication, take it as directed.
People with an abnormal mitral valve may need mitral valve repair or replacement if:
- Symptoms are getting worse
- Mitral regurgitation becomes severe
- The left ventricle or left atrium of the heart become enlarged
- Arrhythmias develop
- The heart function (ejection fraction) decreases
MVP rarely becomes a serious condition. However, in the most serious cases it can cause abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) that may eventually become life-threatening.
When mitral valve prolapse is severe enough to cause significant valve leakage, called “regurgitation,” it can lead to serious complications such as heart attack and stroke. This happens because when the valve leaks, it can cause the atrium to enlarge. An enlarged atrium may lead to heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation, which may cause blood clots to form. When clots travel from the heart to the arteries or the brain, it can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
Measures to be taken
Complications in this condition are very less. Attributable to the fact, that it does not affect much of your health. But people who suffer from this condition have to take extreme care. You may have to cut down on your physical activity, have a surgery and may be put you on medications – beta blockers.
You may have to follow a strict diet routine. Do not have any stimulants in your diet like coffee, tea, colas and even chocolates. Intake of sugar should come down. Have high-protein snack for afternoons. Drink as much water as you want. Fresh fruit juice is also good.
Regular exercise is good to maintain good health. Do not exert yourself. You should consult your doctor before doing any physical activity. Being aware about your condition would help you from any bacterial infection from any kind of surgery. Inform your doctors in advance about your condition, to avoid complication.
Home Care
Cinnamon helps in reducing high cholesterol and triglycerides. These can be used in your daily diet.
Flax seed oil contributes with good amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. This helps your cardiovascular system by reducing bad cholesterol including lowering blood pressure.
Hawthorn Berries helps with a clean and clear cardiovascular system. It is very good for your heart.
Featured Image credit: Fairview Health Services