Heart valves ensure that blood flows in the right direction through the heart. Disorders that cause leaky heart valves, also known as mitral valve prolapse, are a serious medical condition. Fully repairing heart valves requires surgery; however, the symptoms of mild cases can often be effectively managed with prescription medications.
Diuretics
Diuretic drugs, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazde, cause the body to excrete more water and salt, which decreases the overall blood volume. The smaller blood volume decreases the amount of effort required by the heart to circulate blood through the body and decreases strain on the heart. Diuretics also reduce excess fluids in the lungs, further reducing strain on the lungs.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators also ease strain on the heart by increasing the size of blood vessels. Wider blood vessels make it easier for the heart to push blood through the body. Nitroglycerin, prazosin, isosorbide dinitrate, hydralazine and ACE inhibitors are examples of vasodilators commonly used to treat people with leaky heart valves.
Antiarrhythmics
Irregular heart beats, known as arrhythmia, are a common symptom of leaky heart valves. Antiarrhythmic drugs, such as flecainine, quinidine and procainamide help to control arrhythmias by regulating the heart beat.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulant drugs, also known as blood-thinners, reduce the risk of blood clots forming inside of blood vessels and restricting blood flow. Aspirin and warfarin are examples of anticoagulant drugs often prescribed to patients with leaky heart valves, especially patients who also suffer from atrial fibrillation, which is a type of arrhythmia.
Cardiac Glycosides
Digoxin is the most common cardiac glycoside drug given to patients with heart disease. These drugs strengthen the heart beat, improve heart function and regulate heart rate, helping to counteract the negative effects of leaky heart valves.
Beta-blockers
Patients with leaky heart valves often experience heart palpitations and chest pain. These symptoms are treated with beta-blocker medications, such as proprandolol, which slow the heart rate and cause blood vessels to relax, thereby decreasing blood pressure and improving blood flow.
