Tin had no history of heart disease, nor did any family members. Two months prior, during a follow-up for kidney stones at a provincial hospital, doctors suspected a heart valve condition and recommended further examination. An echocardiogram at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, revealed Tin had grade 4/4 mitral valve regurgitation due to valve leaflet prolapse.

The mitral valve ensures one-way blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. When the valve does not close completely (regurgitation), some blood flows backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium, which over time can lead to enlarged heart chambers, arrhythmias, and impaired heart function.

The patient's left heart chambers were significantly enlarged. Master of Science, Doctor Pham Do Anh Thu, Head of the Heart Valve Disease Unit at the Cardiovascular Center, stated that without intervention, patients risk complications such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, progressive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and sudden death.

Because the patient's heart function was still good and no arrhythmias were present, the medical team opted for heart valve repair, avoiding artificial valve replacement. This approach prevents the patient from needing long-term anticoagulant medication, extends lifespan, and improves quality of life.

Doctor Khang (left) and the surgical team performing heart valve repair on the patient. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Master of Science, Doctor Tran Thuc Khang, Deputy Head of Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, and his team resected the prolapsed valve leaflet, reconstructed the posterior leaflet, and implanted an annuloplasty ring. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography confirmed successful mitral valve repair with no regurgitation and good heart function. The patient was discharged after one week.

Doctor Thu checking Tin's health one week after surgery. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Mitral valve prolapse is categorized into two forms: primary (due to connective tissue degeneration of the mitral valve leaflets and chordae tendineae) and secondary (due to damage to valve structures in acute myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathy). Mitral valve prolapse is a common condition that can occur at any age. Some individuals are born with mitral valve prolapse. Women generally have a higher incidence than men, but men with the condition are at higher risk of severe progression.

Doctor Thu noted that with good management, the condition typically has minimal impact on daily life. However, regurgitation combined with heart failure or atrial fibrillation can affect lifespan. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath should seek early medical attention.

Mitral valve prolapse cannot be entirely prevented. Everyone should maintain a heart-healthy diet, a healthy weight (BMI < 23), exercise regularly, minimize stress, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

Thu Ha