Detecting Mitral Valve Prolapse In Its Early Stages

The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Its job is to control the flow of blood as it passes through these two chambers. If it is working normally, the blood will flow forward from the left atrium into the left ventricle. The mitral valve has two flaps. When the heart is at rest, the state of being in between beats, these two flap open to let the blood flow through. The flaps only open outward, so blood will flow in one direction alone.

Now if a person develops mitral valve prolapse, the flaps are not working as it should. One of the flaps could be opening in both directions, thus the blood have the tendency to go back to the left atrium instead of going forward. This disease can be congenital, and statistics show that it is more common in women than in men. In a rough estimate, this disease is present in 1 for every 20 Americans.

Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse patients suffer from several symptoms. The most common one is that sensation that the heart is racing or is skipping some beats. Medical experts also refer to this as palpitations.

Chronic chest pains are also observed. These pains can be so intense and may even last for a few minutes. They come and go every now and then and it is usually caused by extraneous physical activities. But there are instances that the pains occur during rest as well.

Shortness of breath is also a symptom, together with dizziness. Just like chest pains, these are also associated with energy exertion. It is also quite observable that most people who have mitral valve prolapse succumbs panic and anxiety very easily.

Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse
A simple physical examination is usually enough to detect this disease. The doctor can detect its presence in the body by listening to the heart with the use of a stethoscope. Usually, a clicking sound is heard. It is the abnormal flap itself that makes this sound. Aside from that, there would also be a certain gushing sound made by blood as it flows back to the atrium. This gushing sound is also referred to as a heart murmur.

And once the doctor has a fair idea of what disease you might have, you will be subjected to a more complex examination such as an echocardiogram. This device generates an image of your heart through an ultrasound wave. The test can accurately show the mitral valve while the blood is flowing through it. And if the disease is confirmed, treatment will follow suit.

Treatment for Mitral Valve Prolapse
More often than not, especially in milder cases, this problem of the mitral valve do not really need any special treatment at all. Generally, it should not affect your health. But for the 2% of people who are suffering from complications, a treatment therapy is recommended.

If mitral valve prolapse causes a person too intense a chest pain, medicines like beta-blockers are prescribed. These are known to make all other symptoms of the disease under control. But for some who have their valves too leaky, a surgery maybe required to fix it. Also, a change in lifestyle is in order. Lesser participation in competitive sports as well as maintaining the right diet is essential.

And just a reminder, all people diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, whether they are receiving treatment for it or not, have to inform any health professional of their condition, especially if they intend to undergo surgery or dental work. This is to prevent bacteria from entering their bloodstream that may cause infection.