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Illustrated by Echo Medical Media
Cause: The heart’s mitral valve, which is between the left atrium and left ventricle, swells and doesn’t close properly, possibly allowing blood to flow backward. This condition is more common in younger and middle-age women. Some have no symptoms, but others may feel dizziness and fatigue or experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat.
Prevention: Primarily a genetic condition, there’s no prevention. Your doctor may detect prolapse if she hears a clicking sound while listening to your heart through a stethoscope. That click is the valve expanding as it moves.
If untreated: For many, there is no need for treatment. Those with the condition should let their doctors know before any surgery.
Remedies: Take beta-blocking drugs, or undergo surgery to repair or replace the valve.
Cutting edge: Some heart centers are using minimally invasive procedures that involve sliding a catheter up through the leg and into the heart to insert a metal clip that closes the mitral valve.
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