US Medical Term · anatomy
Mitral Valve
Válvula mitral
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Mitral Valve |
| Spanish (Español) | Válvula mitral |
| Chinese (中文) | 二尖瓣 |
| Korean (한국어) | 승모판 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Van hai lá |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Mitral na balbula |
| Portuguese (Português) | Válvula mitral |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ลิ้นหัวใจไมทรัล |
| Japanese (日本語) | 僧帽弁 |
What it means
The mitral valve is a one-way door inside the heart that separates the left atrium — the upper left chamber — from the left ventricle — the lower left chamber. It has two leaflets, or flaps, that open to let blood flow from the atrium into the ventricle and then snap shut to prevent blood from leaking backward when the ventricle pumps. If the valve does not close tightly, blood leaks back — a condition called mitral regurgitation. If the valve becomes stiff and narrow and does not open fully, less blood gets through — a condition called mitral stenosis. Doctors hear these problems as a heart murmur through a stethoscope and confirm them with an echocardiogram.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My echocardiogram showed that my mitral valve is leaking — what does that mean for my daily life?
Mi ecocardiograma mostró que mi válvula mitral tiene una fuga. ¿Qué significa eso para mi vida diaria?
The cardiologist said I have a mild mitral valve problem and we should watch it once a year.
El cardiólogo dijo que tengo un problema leve en la válvula mitral y que debemos vigilarlo una vez al año.
I may need surgery to repair or replace my mitral valve if it gets worse.
Es posible que necesite cirugía para reparar o reemplazar mi válvula mitral si empeora.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026