Mitral valve insufficiency/regurgitation  is when the flaps of the mitral valve are not closing properly or tightly, which in turn lets blood leak back into the left atrium of the heart and into the lungs.

Mitral valve stenosis is when the mitral valve’s opening has become narrow. The valve’s flaps have become thick or stiff, and they may fuse together, which creates a narrowing or blockage of the valve.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is when one or both of the mitral valve’s flaps are enlarged or bulging. Because of their larger size, the flaps cannot close evenly, so they end up collapsing into the left atrium of the heart.

The symptoms and causes of mitral valve disease are dependent on what is actually wrong with your valve. Some people experience no symptoms at all, but symptoms usually develop gradually. Some symptoms include: chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fatigue, and coughing.

If the mitral valve is hardened (calcified) or too loose, a person may need surgery. A hardened valve keeps blood from flowing through the valve, and if the valve is loose blood can begin to flow backward instead of entering the left ventricle of the heart.

In surgery, the surgeon will make a 2 – 3” inch-long incision between two ribs. Because the breastbone isn’t being cut, there is minimal bleeding and pain.

After surgery, you will spend one to two days in ICU. After ICU, you will be moved to a regular hospital room for several days. The doctor and other medical professionals will monitor your recovery, vitals, and pain. You will be told to walk regularly and perform breathing exercises to gradually increase activity. Because the doctor didn’t cut through the breastbone, recovery time will be much shorter than open heart surgery. Recovery can take one to three months.