Mitral Valve Prolapse Treatment Options and Outcomes
Mitral valve prolapse treatment aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the quality of life of people who have blood that leaks back into their heart’s left atrium.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) occurs when floppy or excess valve tissue doesn’t close correctly. Instead, it bulges into the heart’s left atrium, causing mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation is when blood leaks back into the left atrium through the prolapsed valve.
Many people with MVP don’t experience symptoms, but treatment is necessary for those who do.
Let’s cover mitral valve prolapse treatment strategies, including medications and surgical options.
Mitral valve prolapse medications
Medications are often the first line of treatment for mitral valve prolapse to manage symptoms and prevent complications. These may include:
- Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers reduce the heart rate and blood pressure, decreasing the heart’s workload. This relieves symptoms, like palpitations and arrhythmias — also known as heart rhythm disturbances.
- Diuretics: Also known as “water pills,” diuretics help reduce fluid buildup in the lungs or legs by increasing urine output. This helps ease pressure on the heart and reduces swelling.
- Heart rhythm drugs (antiarrhythmics): These medications help maintain a normal heart rhythm by correcting arrhythmias.
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Blood thinners prevent blood clots, which can be a complication of mitral valve prolapse. Anticoagulants reduce the blood’s ability to clot, reducing the risk of stroke.
- Antibiotics: Sometimes, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections that can affect the heart valve, especially before invasive medical procedures.
Additionally, doctors often prescribe angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to treat mitral regurgitation from MVP.
Potential side effects of medications for mitral valve prolapse
As with any treatment, medications used in mitral valve prolapse treatment may cause side effects, such as:
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
- slow heart rate
- fatigue
- gastrointestinal disturbances
- electrolyte imbalances
- dizziness
- allergic reactions
- bleeding
If you notice any unusual side effects, speak with a doctor to ensure you receive proper management and a possible adjustment to your treatment plan.
Mitral valve repair surgery
Mitral valve repair surgery involves fixing the existing valve to ensure it functions correctly. Healthcare professionals often prefer this procedure over valve replacement because it preserves the valve and heart function.
The surgery typically involves techniques, like stitching torn valve leaflets, removing excess valve tissue, or reshaping the valve, to improve its closure.
Potential side effects of mitral valve repair
Possible side effects of mitral valve repair include:
Mitral valve replacement surgery
When a repair isn’t possible, a cardiologist may recommend mitral valve replacement surgery. This procedure involves replacing the faulty valve with either a mechanical or biological valve.
Mechanical valves are made from durable materials and can last approximately 25 years, but they require lifelong anticoagulation therapy.
Biological valves from human or animal heart tissues, such as pigs or cows, do not require long-term blood thinners but may have a shorter lifespan of around 15 years.
Potential side effects of mitral valve replacement
If a cardiologist recommends mitral valve replacement due to severe mitral valve disease, it’s important to know the possible side effects that may occur. These may include:
- bleeding at the incision site
- infection within the new valve or at the incision site
- irregular heart rhythm
- valve malfunction
- blood clot formation
Who needs treatment for mitral valve prolapse?
Not every person requires mitral valve prolapse treatment. Many people have no symptoms, and healthcare professionals may prefer the observational approach to monitor your health.
It’s recommended that people without mitral regurgitation follow up with a doctor every 3 to 5 years, while those with mitral regurgitation should see a doctor once a year.
However, treatment becomes necessary if you have severe symptoms, including significant shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations, as well as if you have:
- severe mitral regurgitation leading to heart failure
- atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) that can lead to blood clot formation, increasing the risk of stroke
- possible heart failure, with signs, like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs (edema)
How effective is mitral valve prolapse treatment?
The effectiveness of mitral valve prolapse treatment depends on several factors, including:
- the type of treatment
- your age
- the severity of your condition
- the presence of other medical conditions
Medications can manage symptoms and prevent complications, while surgical options may provide long-term relief. With appropriate treatment, most people can expect an average life expectancy.
Frequently asked questions about mitral valve prolapse
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about mitral valve prolapse.
Is mitral valve prolapse considered heart disease?
Yes, healthcare professionals consider mitral valve prolapse a type of heart disease that affects the valves of the heart.
What should I avoid if I have mitral valve prolapse?
One older study suggests avoiding stimulants, like alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen symptoms or lead to other complications, like heart failure.
How serious is a mitral valve prolapse?
While many people with MVP rarely have a serious case and don’t require treatment, those with severe cases may experience life-threatening complications, like heart failure and arrhythmias.
What type of doctor treats mitral valve prolapse?
Cardiologists are the primary specialists who diagnose and treat mitral valve prolapse. They may work with cardiothoracic surgeons if surgical intervention is required.
Takeaway
Mitral valve prolapse treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications through medications or surgical procedures, such as mitral valve repair surgery.
Regular monitoring via echocardiogram is important for those without symptoms, depending on the presence of mitral regurgitation.
Although treatment effectiveness may vary, with appropriate management, the outlook is generally good.
