I34: Nonrheumatic mitral valve disorders

I34.9: Nonrheumatic mitral valve disorder, unspecified

The heart pumps blood through the body. Inside the heart are 4 chambers. There are 2 heart atria and 2 ventricles. Both heart atria and both ventricles are separated from each other by a partition.

There are 4 valves in the heart. These valves ensure that the blood flows in the right direction. So they have to close tightly. They also have to open up fully so that the blood can be properly pumped out of the heart.

The mitral valve is the valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Your mitral valve is not working properly. The mitral valve can be leaky or narrowed. The heart then has to work harder to pump enough blood to the body.

You may have various symptoms as a result. You may be short of breath or have heart palpitations. You may also feel weak or tired. Sometimes, too, fluid collects in the legs.