Mitral valve disease

Mitral stenosis

Restricting blood flow from the left atrium to ventricle

Mid-diastolic low-pitched "rumbling" murmur due to low blood flow velocity.

Other signs:

• Tapping apex beat, which is a palpable, prominent S1
• Malar flush
• Atrial fibrillation (irregularly irregular pulse)

Causes of mitral stenosis:

• Rheumatic heart disease
• Infective endocarditis

 

Mitral regurgitation

Leaking valve causes a reduced ejection fraction - CHF. Second most common indication for valve replacement.

Pan-systolic high pitched "whistling" due to high velocity blood. Radiates to axilla - may hear S3

Other signs of mitral regurgitation:

• Thrill in the mitral area on palpation
• Signs of heart failure and pulmonary oedema
• Atrial fibrillation (irregularly irregular pulse)

Causes of mitral regurgitation:

• Idiopathic weakening of the valve with age
• Ischaemic heart disease
• Infective endocarditis
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome