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What is a Mitral Valve Disease?

Mitral Valve Disease occurs when the mitral valve does not open or close normally. In mitral stenosis, the valve opening becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. In mitral regurgitation, the valve does not close completely, allowing blood to flow backwards into the left atrium. Mitral valve prolapse can also cause regurgitation when the valve leaflets bulge backwards. The condition may be congenital or develop because of rheumatic heart disease, age-related changes, infection, heart disease, or other structural problems.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely evaluation helps determine the type and severity of mitral valve disease, monitor changes in heart function, control symptoms, and identify when medicines, catheter-based procedures, valve repair, or valve replacement may be appropriate. Treating significant disease can help reduce the risk of complications such as atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, blood clots, heart failure, and stroke.

What are the Common Symptoms of Mitral Valve Disease?

  • Shortness of Breath: Breathlessness may occur during physical activity or, in more advanced disease, at rest or when lying down.
  • Fatigue: Reduced forward blood flow or increased cardiac workload may cause persistent tiredness and reduced stamina.
  • Palpitations: Some people experience a fast, pounding, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat, particularly when atrial fibrillation develops.
  • Swelling: Fluid retention may cause swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs.
  • Reduced Exercise Tolerance: Everyday activities may become more difficult because of breathlessness or fatigue.
  • Dizziness or Chest Discomfort: Significant valve disease may sometimes cause dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort.

Causes and Risk Factors of Mitral Valve Disease

Causes

  • Rheumatic Heart Disease: Previous rheumatic fever can cause long-term damage to the mitral valve, particularly leading to mitral stenosis.
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse: Abnormal leaflet movement can cause mitral regurgitation.
  • Age-Related Changes: Degeneration and calcium deposits can affect the valve's structure and function.
  • Heart Disease: Previous heart attack, cardiomyopathy, or other structural heart conditions may damage the mitral valve.
  • Infection: Infective endocarditis can damage valve tissue.
  • Congenital Abnormalities: Some people are born with abnormalities affecting the mitral valve.
  • Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions: Certain inflammatory diseases can affect the heart valves.
  • Previous Chest Radiation: Radiation treatment involving the chest may contribute to later valve damage.

Risk Factors

  • Older age
  • Previous rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease
  • Previous heart attack or heart disease
  • Congenital heart abnormalities
  • Previous infective endocarditis
  • Certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
  • Previous chest radiation
  • Family history of certain valve disorders
  • Conditions associated with mitral annular calcification

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Mitral Valve Disease in Turkey

  • Modern mitral valve care increasingly uses advanced echocardiography, 3D imaging, cardiac CT and MRI, minimally invasive surgery, and catheter-based interventions to assess valve anatomy and guide treatment. Current international guidelines emphasise multidisciplinary heart teams and specialised Heart Valve Centres for complex valve disease. For selected patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are unsuitable for conventional surgery, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) may provide a less invasive treatment option. Mitral valve repair, minimally invasive approaches, and personalised timing of intervention are also important aspects of modern care.

Treatment options for Mitral Valve Disease

Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Commissurotomy (PMBC): This is a highly specific catheter-based, first-line mechanical treatment to split open fused leaflets in patients with favourable stenotic anatomy (primarily rheumatic).

Mitral Valve Repair: The surgical intervention for primary mitral regurgitation, preserving the native anatomy, maintaining subvalvular mechanics, and avoiding long-term anticoagulation.

Mitral Valve Replacement : The standard open-surgical option using a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve, reserved for patients whose valves are too calcified or damaged to repair.

Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER): A minimally invasive catheter procedure that brings the mitral valve leaflets together to reduce regurgitation.

  • Clinical assessment:
    • Medical History: Assessment includes symptoms, previous rheumatic fever, infections, heart disease, previous procedures, and relevant family history.
    • Physical Examination: A doctor may listen for a heart murmur and assess breathing, blood pressure, heart rhythm, and signs of fluid retention.
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluates heart rhythm and electrical activity and may identify atrial fibrillation or other abnormalities.
    • Exercise or Stress Testing: May help assess symptoms and functional capacity when symptoms are unclear or occur mainly during activity.
    • Blood Tests: Selected tests may help assess associated conditions or complications.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): The primary imaging test for assessing mitral valve structure, blood flow, disease severity, and heart function.
    • Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): Provides more detailed views of the mitral valve and may support treatment planning.
    • 3D Echocardiography: Provides detailed three-dimensional information about valve anatomy and can assist repair or catheter-procedure planning.
    • Cardiac CT: May help evaluate valve anatomy and calcification in selected patients.
    • Cardiac MRI: Can assess heart structure, ventricular function, and the effects of significant valve disease.
    • Chest X-ray: May show heart enlargement or changes related to fluid accumulation.
    • Cardiac Catheterisation: May be used in selected cases when additional pressure measurements or coronary assessment is required.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive tele-rehabilitation services designed to support Mitral Valve Disease patients in Turkey. These services include:

  • Cardiac Rehabilitation: Structured rehabilitation may help selected patients improve cardiovascular fitness and safely return to daily activities after treatment.
  • Gradual Physical Activity: Increase activity according to symptoms, heart function, and advice from the treating cardiac team.
  • Breathing and Functional Training: Selected patients may benefit from exercises that improve functional capacity after prolonged illness or surgery.
  • Long-Term Follow-Up: Regular cardiology reviews and echocardiography help monitor valve function, heart rhythm, and ventricular performance.
  • Medicines are selected according to the type of mitral valve disease and associated complications. Diuretics may reduce fluid accumulation and breathlessness, while medicines that control heart rate or rhythm may be used when indicated. Anticoagulants may be prescribed for selected patients with atrial fibrillation or an increased risk of blood clots. Other medicines may manage blood pressure or heart failure. In rheumatic disease, appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis may help prevent recurrent rheumatic fever.

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Hospitals for Mitral Valve Disease in Turkey

Istinye University Bahcesehir - LIV Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Istinye University Bahcesehir - LIV Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Istinye University Bahcesehir - LIV Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • A 21-storey Hospital covers 62,500 sqm with ability to handle any emergency situation
  • Equipped with 300+ beds, 10 palliative care beds and 12 operating rooms
  • 30 Observation Rooms, which are convertible to Intensive Care Rooms in the need hour
  • Emergency Department with Emergency specialists
  • 64 Specialities Professional Centers like Organ Transplantation Center, Vascular Health Center, Spine Health Center, Check-up Center, etc.
  • IVF center
  • Pain Clinic
  • Stroke Center/Unit
  • Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
  • International Guest Department
  • In an emergency transfer of patients via air, the hospital also has an air ambulance facility
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Eregli Anadolu Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Eregli Anadolu Hospital

Zonguldak, Turkey

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Eregli Anadolu Hospital located in Zonguldak, Turkey has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Latest cutting edge technology applied in the diagnostic and medical treatment equipment and processes.
  • Complex and critical conditions have been treated by the hospital over time.
  • Inbuilt area is 9000 square meters
  • 130 inpatient bed capacity
  • 30 physicians working in the hospital
  • A number of polyclinics
  • Diagnostic facilities such as with imaging, sleep labs, biochemistry labs
  • Emergency rooms available
  • Intensive care units for critical cases
  • Operation theatres with latest facilities
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Medical Park Ordu Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Medical Park Ordu Hospital

Ordu, Turkey

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Medical Park Ordu Hospital located in Ordu, Turkey has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • A total inpatient bed availability of 206 beds including 38 patient observation
  • 47 Intensive Care Beds
  • 19 beds in General Intensive Care Unit
  • 10 in Coronary Intensive Care Unit
  • 6 in Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
  • 12 in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Medical Oncology Unit
  • Cardiovascular Unit
  • Sleep Laboratory
  • Emergency ward- comprises a CPR room, a first response room, a wound dressing room, a short stay unit, and private observation rooms that protects privacy
  • Observation Rooms
  • 6 full-fledged operating theaters, including 1 reserved for Cardiovascular Surgery operations
  • Every room is furnished with every detail to provide a comfortable stay for patients, such as nurse call system, computer access system, and controllable patient bed in each room
  • Suite rooms that are specially designed for patients with infectious diseases and ensure the required isolation, are put at the disposal of patients in the hospital's inpatient ward
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Why Choose Turkey for Mitral Valve Disease Treatment?

  • Experienced Cardiac Specialists: Access to cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and electrophysiology specialists.
  • Advanced Cardiac Imaging: Major centres may provide TTE, TEE, 3D echocardiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI.
  • Mitral Valve Repair: Selected hospitals provide surgical mitral valve repair using conventional or minimally invasive approaches.
  • Catheter-Based Treatment: Eligible patients may have access to procedures such as percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy and TEER.
  • Advanced Cardiac Surgery: Hospitals may offer mitral valve replacement and complex valve surgery.
  • Multidisciplinary Heart Teams: Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, and rehabilitation professionals can coordinate complex cases.
  • Personalised Treatment Planning: Treatment can be selected according to valve anatomy, disease severity, symptoms, heart function, age, and associated conditions.
  • International Patient Support: Many major Turkey hospitals provide assistance with medical records, appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, and follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery depends on the type and severity of valve disease and the treatment received. Recovery may be relatively short after some catheter-based procedures but can take several weeks or longer after valve surgery. Long-term follow-up may be required.

Many people with mild or stable mitral valve disease can walk and remain physically active. However, significant or symptomatic disease may require activity restrictions until it is evaluated and treated. A treating cardiologist should guide exercise.

Many advanced cardiac centres in Turkey provide echocardiography, 3D imaging, cardiac CT and MRI, catheter-based procedures, mitral valve repair and replacement, minimally invasive surgery, and multidisciplinary valve care.

Many major Turkish hospitals have international patient departments that assist with medical records, appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, interpretation where available, and follow-up arrangements.

Consider a centre with experienced cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, advanced valve imaging, cardiac catheterisation facilities, mitral valve repair expertise, and a multidisciplinary Heart Team. For complex disease, experience with the specific valve problem and treatment being considered is particularly important.

There is no single success rate for mitral valve disease because outcomes depend on whether the patient has stenosis or regurgitation, disease severity, valve anatomy, heart function, associated conditions, and the treatment performed. The treating Heart Team can provide an individualised assessment based on these factors.

Many specialised cardiac centres in Turkey have cardiologists and cardiac surgeons experienced in evaluating and treating mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic valve disease, and complex mitral valve conditions.

Risks depend on the treatment. Medicines may cause side effects, while catheter-based procedures can involve bleeding, vascular complications, infection, arrhythmias, or other procedural risks. Valve surgery may involve bleeding, infection, arrhythmias, blood clots, stroke, or complications related to the repaired or replacement valve.

Mitral valve disease does not generally cause physical or skeletal deformities. However, severe or untreated disease can affect heart function and exercise capacity and may lead to complications such as heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.

Yes. Breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, and limitations caused by advanced valve disease can affect daily activities and quality of life. Appropriate monitoring and treatment can help manage symptoms and maintain functional capacity.

Significant untreated mitral valve disease can progressively affect the heart and lungs and may lead to complications such as atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, blood clots, heart failure, or stroke. The risk depends on the type and severity of valve disease.

Not all forms of mitral valve disease can be prevented. Treating streptococcal infections and preventing recurrent rheumatic fever can reduce the risk of rheumatic valve damage. Managing cardiovascular risk factors, maintaining good dental and general health, and seeking evaluation for persistent cardiac symptoms may also support heart health.

Risk varies by disease type. Rheumatic mitral valve disease is more common in populations where rheumatic fever remains prevalent. Degenerative and calcific valve changes become more common with increasing age, while congenital abnormalities and mitral valve prolapse can occur in younger people.

Author

Tanya Bose
Tanya Bose

MSc Biotechnology

4 Years of Experience

Tanya Bose is a medical content specialist with a strong medical background. She has completed her Bachelor's and Master’s in Biotechnology from Amity University. With a deep understanding of biomedical sciences and research, she develops authoritative and patient-focused medical content covering treatments, surgical procedures, and healthcare innovations. Her writing emphasizes accuracy, clarity, and evidence-based information to help readers better understand complex medical topics. She is dedicated to improving patient awareness and supporting informed healthcare decisions by delivering trustworthy medical insights in a clear and accessible format. View More

Reviewer

Dr. Nityanand Tripathi
Dr. Nityanand Tripathi

Interventional Cardiologist

29 Years of Experience

With a rich experience of more than 29 years, Dr. Nityanand has gained a vast spectrum of skills and expertise in performing all types of complex cardiac procedures. He is an expert in clinical & interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. He studied his medicine (MBBS) and MD from the Institute of Medical Sciences of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and later completed his DM in Cardiology from the prestigious King George Medical University, Lucknow. View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026