What is Mitral Insufficiency? What are its causes? What symptoms does it cause?
The mitral valve is one of the heart’s four main valves, located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Controlling the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle, the mitral valve ensures that the heart functions regularly and that blood is pumped throughout the body. In some cases, the mitral valve may not function properly. One such condition is mitral valve insufficiency. Mitral valve insufficiency occurs when the valve does not close completely, causing blood to leak backwards. While a small leak in the mitral valve may not cause significant problems for the patient, a large amount of blood leaking backwards causes the heart to work harder and become fatigued. Over time, this condition can damage the heart and lead to complications.
There are several conditions that can lead to mitral insufficiency. These conditions can be listed as follows:
Rheumatic Fever: Rheumatic fever is one of the most common causes. Rheumatic fever can cause tissue damage, leading to mitral valve insufficiency.
Heart Attack: Patients who have had a heart attack may experience weakness or damage to their heart muscle. A heart attack that causes weakness in the heart muscle can also affect the function of the mitral valve, leading to mitral insufficiency.
Thickening of the Heart Muscle: Thickening of the heart muscle can also lead to conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or mitral insufficiency over time.
Mitral Valve Prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse, a congenital abnormality, is a condition in which the valve leaflets are more flexible than normal or can partially retract. This condition can prevent the mitral valve from closing completely and cause blood to leak.
Infections: Infections such as infective endocarditis can also cause damage to the mitral valve, leading to mitral insufficiency.
Congenital Abnormalities: Congenital heart disorders and mitral valve defects can also cause mitral insufficiency.
Patients with mitral insufficiency may have certain complaints.
These complaints can be listed as follows:
Shortness of Breath: Feeling short of breath, especially during physical activity or at rest.
Insomnia: Imbalances in sleep patterns may also occur.
Chest Pain: Pain in the chest may occur as a result of the heart being strained.
Fatigue and Weakness: The person may feel tired and weak even when performing daily activities.
Cough: Coughing is more common, especially when lying down.
Swelling in the Feet and Legs: Oedema may occur, particularly in the feet and legs.
Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat: Depending on the severity of the disease, arrhythmias may occur in the heart.
Dizziness or Fainting: Disorders in blood circulation can lead to dizziness and fainting.
Symptoms of mitral insufficiency generally appear as the severity of the disease progresses. If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, you can consult your doctor for information.
