The mitral valve is a “bicuspid” valve of the heart. Imagine it is “like a double door”. This valve is placed between the two left chambers of the heart, i.e. between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The two leaflets of the mitral valve are called “cusps” and in each cardiac cycle (systole-diastole) they close and open. When they open, they allow blood to pass from the left atrium to the left ventricle, while when they close, they stop the flow of blood from one ventricle to the other. When they open, they allow blood to pass from the left atrium to the left ventricle, while when they close, they stop the flow of blood from one ventricle to the other….
In a large number of healthy people, more often in women, the valve shows some peculiarities, which are usually created during the construction of the heart in the fetal period. One of these peculiarities is the “relaxation” of the mitral valves, with the result that when they close they retreat towards the left atrium. This phenomenon is called “mitral valve prolapse”. The range of morphological defects of the valve is very large. In most people, mitral prolapse goes unnoticed, that is, without causing any discomfort throughout their life. In a small percentage it can create some problems in the functioning of the heart. In extreme cases it does not close.
The diagnosis is made by ultrasound. The examination findings confirm the condition and assess its severity. They also check for any complications.
