Heart valve disease happens when one of your heart's valves doesn’t work correctly. One of the more common heart valve problems occurs in the mitral valve. This valve has two leaflets that allow blood to flow from the lungs into the left ventricle and prevents the blood from leaking backward. When the mitral valve doesn't fully close, the heart doesn't work properly.
Our team of cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and other specialists work together to create a specialized care plan that works for you. The AHN Mitral Valve Program is among the best in the country and Allegheny General Hospital is the first hospital in Pennsylvania to receive the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award from the American Heart Association® and the Mitral Foundation.* Our mitral valve program also holds the highest rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for mitral valve repair and replacement.**
Common risk factors for heart valve problems include your genetics, diabetes, a family history of heart disease or endocarditis (inflammation of the heart’s inner lining and heart valves). Some people develop symptoms over time, while others may not experience symptoms until the condition becomes severe. Some physical signs of heart valve disease include:
