Myxomatous degeneration is the buildup of certain molecules in heart valve tissue, causing the valve to become loose or weak. Severe cases can lead to complications like heart failure.
Myxomatous degenerative disease (MXD) is a heart condition that can cause mitral valve prolapse, also known as “floppy valve.” MXD affects the connective tissue in your heart valves.
Experts estimate that MXD affects 1% to 4% of people worldwide. Many of them can live a regular life without any symptoms. But severe MXD can eventually lead to heart failure.
Read this article to learn about MXD, including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outlook for people with this condition.
What does “myxomatous” mean?
In pathology, “myxomatous” means the buildup of a gel-like substance in your connective tissue, specifically in the spaces between your cells.
Healthy cells are surrounded by a vast network of proteins, mucopolysaccharides (long chains of sugar molecules), and other substances that form material known as an extracellular matrix .
When the number of mucopolysaccharides in your extracellular matrix increases, it tends to absorb water and swell. This causes the connective tissues to become soft and weak and lose their supportive function.
What causes myxomatous degeneration?
Scientists don’t completely understand what causes MXD. Many believe it’s due to an imbalance between the growth of the new and the breakdown of the old extracellular matrix in your connective tissue .
This can be due to either slower-than-usual growth of the new molecules that make up your extracellular matrix, faster-than-usual breakdown of these substances, or both of these processes.
This imbalance is mostly due to certain genetic conditions. For example, people with Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes can develop MXD. These genetic disorders affect different components of your connective tissue.
Other risk factors for MXD include:
Where does myxomatous degeneration occur?
MXD occurs in your heart valves, particularly the mitral valve . Your mitral valve is between the left atrium (upper chamber) and the left ventricle (lower chamber) of your heart.
The mitral valve ensures that blood flows in the correct direction, from your left atrium into your left ventricle. When the mitral valve undergoes MXD, it can become weak and prolapse (bulge) back into the atrium during the heart contraction, a condition known as mitral valve prolapse .
Severe mitral valve prolapse can lead to mitral regurgitation , in which blood leaks backward into the atrium, causing various symptoms and complications, including heart failure .
Read more: “ How Your Heart Works: Heart and Circulatory System, Explained ”
What are the symptoms of myxomatous degeneration?
MXD itself usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. Many people learn they have MXD when undergoing heart imaging scans for other reasons.
But you may experience the following symptoms if you develop mitral regurgitation due to MXD:
If you experience any of these symptoms, get immediate medical attention, as they can also be symptoms of a heart attack .
How do doctors diagnose myxomatous degeneration?
Diagnosing MXD usually involves a combination of several tests:
- Medical history: A doctor will ask about your current and past symptoms and conditions and any family history of heart or connective tissue disorders.
- Physical exam: They’ll listen to your heart with a stethoscope to identify any abnormal sounds, such as a clicking or murmur , which may indicate mitral valve prolapse.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG records the electrical activity of your heart and can help identify any abnormal rhythms and other patterns.
- Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can provide information about the size and shape of your heart and lungs, helping to identify any associated abnormalities.
- Echocardiogram: This is the most important test for diagnosing MXD. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart’s structure and function. It can show the thickening and prolapse of the mitral valve and diagnose mitral regurgitation.
What is the treatment for myxomatous degeneration?
Treatment for MXD depends on the severity of your specific condition.
Often, mild mitral valve prolapse may not require any treatment. A cardiologist may schedule regular checkups to track your condition. They’ll also likely recommend lifestyle changes to help keep your heart healthy, for example:
If you have symptoms, a cardiologist may recommend treatment, including medications like:
In severe cases of mitral regurgitation or when symptoms persist despite medications, a doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical options include:
- mitral valve repair to correct the prolapsed valve to restore its regular function
- mitral valve replacement with a mechanical or biological valve
What is the outlook for people with myxomatous degeneration?
The outlook for people with MXD depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. Many people with mild mitral valve prolapse live regular, healthy lives without significant complications.
Severe mitral regurgitation caused by MXD can shorten your life span. But timely and appropriate treatment can dramatically improve your outlook.
In a 2020 study of more than 1,000 people with MXD, mitral valve repair restored their life expectancy, making it similar to the life expectancy of people without MXD.
Takeaway
MXD is a condition that affects the connective tissues of your mitral heart valve, making it weak and unable to function properly. It most commonly affects older adults, especially people assigned female at birth, and can cause symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Treatment options include lifestyle changes and medications to surgical treatment in severe cases. With appropriate management, many people with MXD can lead healthy and active lives. If you experience any symptoms or MXD, get immediate medical attention.
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