Mitral valve prolapse of the 1st degree

Many people are interested in what is the prolapse of the mitral valve of the 1st degree. In order for the mechanism of the formation of this condition to be clearer, it is necessary to know certain features of the valvular system of the heart.

In the heart chambers, connected by holes, blood accumulates. The holes are closed by valves that are able to flow blood only in one direction, opening in one direction. When it rushes (blood) in the opposite direction, the valves are closed. Thus, the reverse current is prevented.

There are only four heart valves (tricuspid, aortic, pulmonary artery and mitral valve). Each of them has a leaf (three or two). From these valves pass to the muscles (papillary) special threads (chords). Muscular contraction provokes the movement of the chordal filaments, which open the valve flaps. In this case, a greatly simplified mechanism is presented. In fact, the motion of the valves is provided by a combination of many factors. However, the above scheme provides an idea of the operation of the valve system.

The prolapse can occur on any valve, but, as practice shows, in most cases it occurs in the mitral valve, since it is he who experiences the greatest physiological load. This is due to its location - between the left atrium and the ventricle.

The prolapse of the mitral valve is 1 degree, the second and third. In the first case, respectively, the disruption in the operation of the valves appears in a light form, in the third degree - the valves flex considerably. The prolapse of the mitral valve of the 1st degree is accompanied by the formation of a very small gap. Normally, the valves should close tightly. In the case when they "bend", blood begins to penetrate through the formed hole. Reverse its course. This phenomenon is called regulation. She also has three degrees. Thus, the prolapse of the mitral valve of the 1st degree provokes the first degree of regulation and so on. In addition, the reverse current can be zero, that is, absent. This corresponds to the case when the flaps close tightly.

It should be noted that the prolapse of the mitral valve of the 1st degree is considered a variant of the norm. This is due to the fact that in this state of the valves, the regulation occurs only in the area of the valves. The second degree is characterized by a more intense blood flow. In this case, a jet of blood can reach the center of the atrium. At the third degree, the blood practically reaches its posterior wall. In the latter case, the jet must be sufficiently powerful. To have it formed, the valve defect should be very pronounced. Some experts equate mitral regulation of the third degree to mitral cardiac malformation.

In modern medicine, prolapse is seen as a manifestation of a general syndrome called connective tissue dysplasia. This condition is characterized by the presence of both external signs (not always pronounced), and various violations in the work of internal organs (expressed in varying degrees). The most common symptoms of prolapse should be palpitations, pre-patchy conditions, interruptions in cardiac work, pain, dyspnea, migraine, thermoregulation disorders (temperature increase or decrease for no apparent reason), vascular disease of the extremities, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and others.

Mitral valve prolapse of the 1st degree. Treatment

As already mentioned above, this condition refers to the norm. In this case, as a rule, they are limited to general therapeutic measures. The prolapse of the mitral valve of the 1st degree does not significantly affect the quality of life of a person and does not require restriction of physical activity (in the absence of other pathologies).