Understanding Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease occurs when the valve between your left heart chambers doesn't work correctly. It can affect anyone, but is most common in older adults or those with a history of heart conditions. Key risk factors include high blood pressure, previous heart infections, or age-related wear.

Family history of heart disease
Age-related valve degeneration
Previous episodes of rheumatic fever or endocarditis
Long-term high blood pressure

Recognising Symptoms

Mitral valve disease often develops gradually. Symptoms can be subtle as the heart adapts to compensate for a leak (regurgitation) or blockage (stenosis). Early recognition is key to accessing specialist care and considering robotic or minimally invasive repair.

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Breathlessness

Shortness of breath (dyspnoea), particularly during physical activity or when lying flat.

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Tiredness

Persistent fatigue or unexplained exhaustion even after rest, as the heart works harder to pump blood.

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Palpitations

Sensations of a racing or skipped heartbeat, which can sometimes indicate atrial fibrillation.

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Swelling

Oedema (fluid retention), appearing as swelling in the ankles, feet, or eventually the abdomen.

Mitral Valve Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. We use non-invasive, advanced imaging to map your heart's function with exceptional precision.

Clinical Exam

A simple physical assessment where your specialist listens to your heart with a stethoscope to detect murmurs or irregular rhythms.

ECG & X-Ray

Simple tests to check your heart's electrical activity and a chest X-ray to look at the size of the heart and the condition of your lungs.

Echocardiogram

A painless ultrasound scan that creates a live video of your heart, allowing us to see how the mitral valve opens and closes.

MRI & CT Scans

Advanced MRI or CT scans provide 3D maps of the heart, essential for planning minimally invasive and robotic repair procedures.

TOE Scan

A transoesophageal echocardiogram uses a small tube to get a clearer view of your mitral valve from your food pipe, right behind the heart.

Specialist Consultation

Results are combined into a tailored report, discussed depth in a calm, clinical environment to plan your care path.

Specialist Mitral Repair

We offer a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs, with a primary focus on mitral valve repair rather than replacement whenever possible. Our main approach is via a minimally invasive strategy.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Performed through small incisions between the ribs.
Avoids the need to divide the breastbone (sternum).
Significant reduction in post-operative pain.
Quicker return to normal activities and work.

LIFE AFTER SURGERY

Living Well After Your Mitral Valve Procedure

Successful robotic or minimally invasive repair is the beginning of your journey back to full health. Most patients return to light activities within weeks. We will monitor your progress closely with regular follow-up echocardiograms to ensure your heart continues to strengthen. Long-term health relies on consistent control of blood pressure and maintaining a steady heart rhythm.

Follow-Up Care: Regular clinical exams and tests to ensure the repair remains effective.

Rhythm Control: Monitoring and managing any palpitations to prevent atrial fibrillation.

Rhythm & BP: Precise management of blood pressure to reduce the workload on your new repair.

When to Seek Urgent Help

While complications are rare after minimally invasive mitral surgery, you should contact our team or seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Sudden or worsening breathlessness
A high fever or chills (which may indicate infection)
Worsening chest pain or persistent palpitations
Sudden swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
Weight gain of more than 1-2kg in 24 hours