Do you feel palpitations from time to time, chest pains? Prolapse of the mitral valve leaflet (Barlow syndrome) can cause such symptoms. It is not serious and usually does not require treatment, but you should talk to your doctor about it.

Mitral valve prolapse syndromethat isBarlow syndrome(MVP Mitral Valve Prolap se) is the invagination of one or both mitral valve leaflets to the left atrium during ventricular systole. People who have such a condition often do not know about it and find out about it, e.g. during a routine examination.

A physician auscultating the heart with Barlow's syndrome hears two abnormal phenomena - first a pronounced intracystic tone called a click (then the valve leaflets pass each other upwards above the normal horizontal position), and then the late systolic ripple murmur (regurgitation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium through a leaky valve).

If in doubt, an ultrasound of the heart is performed (preferably in a standing position). The prolapse of the petal will also be recorded in the revised ECG.

Barlow syndrome - causes

The cause of the mitral valve prolapse syndrome is often the deficiency of carnitine and magnesium in the body. Sometimes mitral valve prolapse is due to a defect in the structure of the heart muscle.

Barlow's syndrome may also accompany ischemic heart disease or be a consequence of other diseases. For example, it is more common in patients with Graves' disease (associated with hyperthyroidism) or rheumatic heart disease.

Important

The left atrium is separated from the left ventricle by the so-calledmitral valve(mitral) consisting of two petals.The mitral valveshould act like a valve - it should let blood flow from the atrium into the ventricle, but not let it flow in the opposite direction. It happens, however, that one of the valve leaflets curls upwards. This allows blood to return to the left atrium. We are then talking aboutmitral regurgitation . Most people experience no symptoms at all, and even if they do occur, the problem does not require treatment.

Barlow syndrome - to heal or not?

This topic is still under discussion. Most specialists believe that the mild form of Barlow's syndromeyou do not need to heal. However, you should lead a he althy lifestyle and take care of relaxation, because stress aggravates the symptoms and often exacerbates the symptoms of the disease. And this can be life-threatening. The most dangerous are ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. However, it usually affects people with latent acute myocarditis. Fortunately, such a situation is extremely rare.

Treatment is started when the patient complains, inter alia, for frequent heart palpitations or dizziness. To reduce these disturbing symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a so-called beta blockers. In addition, these drugs help with dangerous tachycardia.

Sometimes, as a result of mitral valve prolapse syndrome, a patient experiences a reverse wave (regurgitation of blood from the ventricle to the atrium). Then long-term administration of antibiotics to prevent bacterial endocarditis is warranted.

When is an operation needed?

If the risk of complications from prolapse and valve regurgitation is high, more frequent (yearly) check-ups are required. It is about monitoring the build-up of valve regurgitation and, with certain parameters, introducing surgical treatment, even when there are no complaints. Doctors try to preserve the natural valve at all costs. That is why cardiac surgeons most often perform plastic surgery, i.e. repair of a pathologically changed valve. Such a procedure, carried out in time, gives a chance to regain he alth. If it is impossible, they implant an artificial (metal) or biological valve. The former is very durable, but you need to take anticoagulants for the rest of your life and have your blood tested frequently (usually once a month) for clotting. In the case of the second one, it is not necessary, but you must take into account the necessity of another valve replacement.

When you have Barlow's band

You can live normally with Barlow's syndrome. The defect is mild and should not limit us. But there are a few recommendations that are good to keep in mind. Every two or three years - if no additional symptoms appear - it is worth having ECG and ultrasound examinations of the heart. People with a clearly audible click and murmur should refrain from practicing competitive sports. You should also limit the amount of coffee, strong tea, alcohol and caffeinated cooling drinks you consume. It has stimulant properties, which worsens the symptoms of Barlow's syndrome. Mitral valve prolapse is common in perimenopausal women. It is related to the increasing tension of the sympathetic nervous system. In such a situation, it is worth considering the use of hormone replacement therapy.

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Category:

Cardiology