Congenital Mitral Valve Anomalies

Congenital mitral valve anomalies are types of heart valve disease that are present at birth. That means they are congenital heart defects. The conditions affect the valve between the heart’s upper and lower left chambers. That valve is called the mitral valve.

Mitral valve anomalies include:

Thick or stiff valve flaps, also called leaflets.
Leaflets or leaflets that are joined, also called fused.
Leaflets that are too long.
Leaflets with spaces between them.
Changes in the cords that support the valve. This might include missing cords, short and thick cords, or cords that are too long.
More than one opening in the area of the mitral valve. This is called a double-orifice valve.

Types of heart valve disease caused by mitral valve anomalies include:

Narrowing of the mitral valve, also called mitral valve stenosis. The valve flaps are stiff. The valve opening may be narrowed. Mitral valve stenosis reduces blood flow between the left heart chambers.
Leaky mitral valve, also called mitral valve regurgitation. The valve flaps don’t close tightly. Sometimes they push backward into the left upper heart chamber as the heart squeezes. As a result, the mitral valve leaks blood.

Some people have both mitral valve stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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