Conditions
Cardiac Conditions
Mitral valve prolapse and coronary artery disease are common conditions that could affect your heart. Some people do not experience symptoms for either of these conditions, however, if symptoms are present, your doctor can diagnose the cause and determine if treatment is necessary.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse means that one or both flaps of your heart’s valves don’t close smoothly or evenly. This can cause blood to leak backward through the valve and a murmur may be detected.
The following symptoms may occur due to the leaking of the mitral valve:
This condition may be treated with surgery to replace or repair the valve however most people don’t experience symptoms and won’t need treatment. However, if the mitral valve leakage is significant, surgery may be necessary in order to prevent a stroke or heart attack.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque buildup along the walls of the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to your heart.
Over time, the plaque buildup could cause narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, a major reason for a heart attack. Certain factors, including being overweight, unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity, or smoking, can increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease. Tests such as an EKG or chest x-ray can diagnose coronary artery disease to determine the best treatment option.
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to determine if surgery is necessary.
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