Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease is diagnosed through a physical exam and tests.

Physical exam

During the physical exam, your provider will listen to your heart with a stethoscope. Your provider will check to hear certain sounds associated with each form of mitral valve disease.

• Mitral valve stenosis: A murmur as blood passes through and a snapping sound when your valve opens.
• Mitral valve prolapse: A clicking sound and then a murmur. Because of this distinctive sound, mitral valve prolapse is also called “click-murmur syndrome.”
• Mitral valve regurgitation: A murmur as blood leaks the wrong way into your left atrium.

Your provider will also talk with you to learn about your medical history and risk factors.

You’ll then likely need at least one test to check your heart’s structure and function.

Tests to diagnose mitral valve disease

Echocardiography is the gold standard for diagnosing mitral valve disease. An echocardiogram (echo) uses ultrasound technology to check for valve disease and other heart problems.

Your provider may also recommend other tests to get a fuller picture of how your heart is working. These include:

• Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG). An ECG shows your heart’s electrical activity.
• Chest X-ray. This test will show if your left ventricle is enlarged or if fluid is building up in your lungs.
• Cardiac catheterization. This test measures pressures within your heart and can show if you have mitral valve stenosis. Cardiac catheterization is also used before surgery to check for coronary artery disease.