Mitral Valve Disease

Reviewed by Columbia Structural Heart and Valve Faculty, July 2024

About the Mitral Valve

The mitral valve is located on the left side of the heart and lies between the left atrium (the upper heart chamber) and the left ventricle (the lower heart chamber). Also known as the bicuspid valve, it has two leaflets (also known as flaps or cusps) that open and close to regulate the flow of blood between these two chambers of the heart.

What is Mitral Valve Disease?

Mitral valve disease occurs when the valve doesn’t function correctly or efficiently. Mitral valve disease is the most prevalent form of valve disease. There are two common conditions that can affect the mitral valve's ability to regulate blood flow:

  • Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) or mitral insufficiency occurs when the leaflets do not close completely and become “floppy,” causing blood to leak back (regurgitate) into the left atrium and decrease blood flow to the rest of the body.
  • Mitral valve stenosis (MS) occurs when the valve does not open completely, usually because of calcification, and obstructs blood flow.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors for Mitral Valve Disease?

There are a number of potential causes of mitral valve disease, and certain risk factors contribute to how likely someone is to develop the condition. It can be present at birth or acquired later in life. Causes and risk factors include:

  • Additional heart valve disease or heart conditions
  • Age
  • Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Certain medications
  • Congenital defects
  • Endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart) 
  • Heart attack
  • Infections
  • Other health conditions
  • Radiation therapy
  • Rheumatic fever

What Are the Symptoms of Mitral Valve Disease

The heart of those who suffer from mitral valve disease has to work harder. Eventually this will cause a weakening of the heart muscle, which increases the risk of irreversible damage and heart failure. Someone with mitral valve disease will experience:

  • Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
  • Shortness of breath, particularly during exertion
  • Heart palpitations
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Chest pain (angina)
  • Frequent respiratory infections or coughing, sometimes with blood-tinged sputum

These symptoms can decrease quality of life and can become life-threatening if left untreated.

How is Mitral Valve Disease Treated?

Treatment for mitral valve disease depends on how severe it is and how sick you are. Medications may be prescribed to treat symptoms. However, these medications only treat the symptoms and do not address the underlying disease. 

New treatment options like transcather valve repair and replacement are changing the outlook for patients with mitral valve disease. These minimally invasive procedures are alternatives to traditional open surgery and can reduce pain, recovery time, and the risk of complications. They also offer treatment options for people who are not candidates for surgery.

Learn More About Mitral Valve Disease Treatments

Make an Appointment

If you or someone you care about is dealing with mitral valve disease, please visit the Mitral & Tricuspid Center at Columbia. To schedule an appointment, please call (212) 342-0444 or fill out our online appointment application form (the link opens in a new window).

We accept numerous insurance plans, and our team can assist in confirming your coverage.