Coping Methods For Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease is a heart disease marked by the inability of the mitral valve to function properly. This leads to backflow of the blood from left ventricle to the left atrium of the heart. It is caused due to improper closing or opening of the mitral valve during the contraction of the heart.^[1] Hypertension, excess weight, physical inactivity, smoking and unhealthy levels of cholesterol can trigger this disease. Its symptoms involve fatigue, abnormal heart sounds, rapid heartbeat, and others discussed below. You can cope with mitral valve disease by your lifestyle modification, medicines and other techniques discussed below.^[2]

Medicines– you should take medicines as prescribed on time without missing doses. You should not overdose. Always go by prescription.

Regular Appointments– you should meet your physician on regular appointments when you are at high risk of the mitral valve disease. He can only guide you correctly regarding the health of your heart.

Diet Modifications– Having healthy diet is a better way to cope with mitral valve disease. It is better to introduce heart-healthy food into your diet. Introduction of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat food are good for the health of the heart. They also help in faster recovery. Low-fat diet includes lean meat, fish and low-fat dairy products. It is equally important to avoid high saturated food, sugary items and food high in salt and sodium. One should avoid processed meat. It is recommended to stick to high fiber diet with low cholesterol and low fat. Omega3 fatty acids should be present in your diet as they are related to good health of the heart.^[3]

Regular Exercise– Regular exercise is a best way to cope with mitral valve disease. When you have mitral valve disease or at high risk of the disease, you should be physically active. It is better to stick to regular exercises especially aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, etc to get rid of heart-related diseases. The exercises should be done for at least 150 minutes a week. Exercises help in strengthening the heart muscles and proper functioning of the heart. It also aids in maintaining a healthy weight as excess weight affects the heart health.

Stress Management– stress can damage the heart valves. One should learn to overcome stress through stress management techniques.

Smoking– smoking can worsen the condition of the mitral valve, you should quit smoking.

Personal Technology– personal electronic technologies are available in the market that can monitor blood pressure, your weight, activity level, heart rate, etc.

Support Groups- you should join the groups that are coping with the same disease. This will be helpful to you to cope with the disease.^[4]

Mitral valve disease is characterized by improper functioning of the mitral valve. It is of two types-

Mitral Valve Regurgitation– it is a condition marked by improper closing of the mitral valve. This leads to backflow of blood from left ventricle into the left atrium when the heart contracts.

Mitral Valve Stenosis– it is a condition in which mitral valve is fused or thick or stiff that narrow down the opening. This results in the reduction in the flow of blood between the left atrium and left ventricle.^[5]

Mitral valve disease is caused by

• Hypertension
• Overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• High cholesterol^[6]

The symptoms of mitral valve disease are-

• Fatigue, felt all the time especially when you are involved in physical activities
• An abnormal sound heard when blood flows with turbulence (heart murmur)
• Rapid and abnormal heartbeats (heart palpitation)
• Shortness of breath while sleep or lying down
• Swelling in the feet
• Discomfort or pain in the chest
• Fainting
• A cough sometimes with blood
• A severe headache
• Difficulty in speaking^[7]

Coping with mitral valve disease is quite challenging. You can still cope with them through regular exercises, losing excess body weight, heart-healthy diet, stress management, and other methods discussed above.

References:

Also Read:

• Mitral Valve Prolapse or Floppy Mitral Valve Syndrome
• How Dangerous Is Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery?
• How Many Years Does A Mitral Valve Repair Last?