More recently, about 60 years ago, it became possible to conduct an ultrasound examination of the heart. Thanks to him, a disease such as mitral valve prolapse was revealed - what is it, and what is dangerous this medical phenomenon is being studied so far. Increased interest in pathology is due to the fact that it is not possible to find out the exact causes and mechanisms of its development.
What is the prolapse of the bivalve or mitral valve of the heart, and how is it manifested?
First you need to find out what the mitral valve itself is.
Between the atrium and the ventricle of the left half of the heart are the septa in the form of plates from connective tissue. This is the mitral valve, consisting of 2 flexible valves - the front and the back. They are designed to prevent back-casting of blood (regurgitation) into the left atrium during a functional contraction (systole) of the left ventricle.
The prolapse of the mitral valve is accompanied by a disruption in the work or structure of the valves. As a result, they sag into the space of the left atrium with systole of the left ventricle, which provokes a reverse current of some blood.
Unfortunately, it is rare to detect pathology at an early stage and, as a rule, accidentally. Prolaps in most cases is asymptomatic, only occasionally the following symptoms are observed:
- a feeling of lack of air;
- pain in the left side of the chest;
- syncope , premarrowing and dizziness;
- headaches, mainly at night and in the morning;
- slight increase in body temperature;
- feeling of a rare or too frequent heartbeat.
It is worth noting that, depending on the depth of sagging of the mitral valve and the volume of blood flowing back to the left atrium, the disease is divided into 3 degrees:
- Up to 5 mm down from the valve ring.
- 5 to 10 mm below the valve ring.
- More than 10 mm deep.
Is prolapse a mitral valve of 1 degree?
If the described disease is not accompanied by any symptoms, not even a special treatment is prescribed. The only thing that can be dangerous is the prolapse of the left or mitral valve of the 1st degree - stable violations of the heart rhythm and uncomfortable sensations in the heart. In such cases, you will need to take sedatives, training the technique of self-relaxation. While observing the rules of healthy nutrition, lifestyle, work and rest regime, the forecast is more than favorable.
Is prolapse a mitral valve of the 2nd degree?
In the course of numerous medical studies and observations of control groups of patients, it was found that a prolapse up to 1 cm deep does not pose a serious threat to either health or life.
Nevertheless, pathology often tends to progress, especially with age. Therefore, people with a disease of the 2nd degree are recommended to visit the cardiologist regularly, prophylactic ultrasound of the heart and ECG. It is not superfluous to follow the recommendations on the organization of nutrition and lifestyle, exercise (moderately).
What are the consequences of a prolapse of a mitral valve of grade 3?
To serious complications the considered phenomenon leads seldom, only in 2-4% case there can be such consequences:
- mitral insufficiency (acute, chronic);
- thromboembolism ;
- bacterial endocarditis;
- arrhythmia;
- sudden death.
But the listed problems can be avoided, following the cardiologist's prescriptions, visiting preventive examinations.
In case of severe prolapse and sagging of the valves more than 1.5 cm, a surgical operation to restore the functions of the mitral valve can be recommended.