Heart Failure Caused by Leaky Heart Valves

Mitral valve regurgitation often causes no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, as they typically emerge only when the heart can no longer compensate for the increased blood volume. In some cases, symptoms may appear suddenly and lead to heart failure.

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Heart Valves and Their Functions

Heart valves function like gates, preventing blood from flowing backward into the heart chambers during contraction. Acting as doors that open and close between the heart’s chambers, these valves work continuously from birth throughout a person’s life. The heart contains four valves located in the following positions:

• Tricuspid Valve – Between the upper (atrium) and lower (ventricle) chambers on the right side of the heart.

• Pulmonary Valve – Between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs for oxygenation.

• Mitral Valve – Between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart.

• Aortic Valve – Between the left ventricle and the aorta, the main artery that distributes oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

Characteristics of Heart Valves

Heart valves are composed of thin or thick tissue layers, depending on their location. For example, the mitral valve resembles a horse saddle and is approximately 2–3 millimeters thick. In contrast, the aortic valve has three thin, circular-shaped leaflets. Although they appear delicate, these leaflets are remarkably strong and durable.

Mild valve leakage often presents no symptoms. Even more severe leakage may go unnoticed until the heart can no longer compensate, potentially leading to heart failure. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, and a rapid heartbeat. Therefore, regular physical exams or annual check-ups are crucial for early detection of valve disorders.

Causes of Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Mitral valve regurgitation may result from various factors, including:

• Congenital Abnormalities – Some individuals are born with mitral valve defects that manifest in childhood or later in life. Children may show signs such as easy fatigue, poor growth, a bluish tint to the skin, and possibly coexisting septal defects.

• Age-Related Degeneration – The valve may weaken over time, often involving mitral valve prolapse due to calcium deposits.

• Rheumatic Heart Disease – This condition stems from childhood infections that cause inflammation of the heart, with symptoms often worsening over time.

• Infections – Infections affecting the mitral valve can lead to inflammation and deformation. Pathogens may enter through the oral cavity, contaminated needles (e.g., in drug use), or invasive procedures such as body piercings.

Treatment of Mitral Valve Regurgitation

If the mitral valve does not close or open properly, a physician will first evaluate the severity. Based on symptoms and test results, they may recommend surgical repair or valve replacement.

Management for Patients with Mitral Valve Regurgitation

For patients with mild regurgitation, daily life can usually continue as normal. However, in more severe cases, symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue may limit activity. Patients are advised to avoid salty foods, high-fat meals, alcohol (including beer and wine), and smoking, all of which may worsen heart function.

Another key consideration is infection prevention. Patients with mitral valve disorders should inform healthcare providers before undergoing dental procedures, tooth extractions, scaling, or surgery. This allows for the administration of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent heart valve infections (endocarditis).

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