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What is mitral valve disease?
The mitral valve allows the blood to pass from the left atrium to the left ventricle, and closes when the ventricle is full to prevent backflow into the lungs.
Mitral valve disease is where the valve does not open properly and is narrowed, or does not close properly. This causes an increased pressure in the heart and lungs, causing symptoms of palpitations, breathlessness and tiredness. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure because the heart can no longer pump enough blood around the body.
For an accurate mitral valve disease diagnosis, the consultant will perform tests like:
- Echocardiogram
- Transesophageal cardiogram
- Cardiac catheterisation
- Electrocardiogram
- Ambulatory ECG
- Full body CT scan
Surgery is required to either replace or mend the mitral valve in the heart and can be performed by sternotomy or by keyhole.
The surgery will definitely improve your quality of life by relieving breathlessness and chest pain and increase your energy levels.
Depending on the progress of the disease, the alternatives to the surgery could be drug treatments such as diuretics, ACE-inhibitors and digoxin are the main alternatives to surgery.
How to pay for your procedure
Mitral valve replacement costs are covered by most medical insurance policies, but please check with your insurer first. If you are paying for your own treatment the cost of the operation will be explained and confirmed in writing when you book the operation.
Ask the hospital for a quote beforehand, and ensure that this includes the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee and the hospital charge for your procedure.
