Barlow’s Syndrome is a disorder of the mitral valve of the heart. The mitral valve controls the flow of blood between the left atrium and the left ventricle chambers of the heart. This valve has two flaps that open and close when the heart beats and relaxes. In a person with Barlow’s syndrome, the mitral valve fails to close properly or bulges into another part of the heart, sometimes causing a small amount of blood to flow back into the left atrium. (Myclevelandclinic.org “Heart Disorders/Valve/Mitral Valve Prolapse,” accessed April 14, 2010).
Sometimes with Barlow’s syndrome, a clicking sound can be heard from the irregular blood flow. This sound is called a heart murmur. Although the cause is unknown, Barlow’s syndrome is relatively common, especially in middle-aged women.
Other names for Barlow’s syndrome include mitral valve prolapse, floppy-valve syndrome or click-murmur syndrome. Barlow’s syndrome can result in severe dysfunction of the mitral valve, leading to a problem called mitral regurgitation.
In mitral regurgitation, blood leaks or flows back into the left atrium during the heart beat instead of moving forward into the aorta as it should. Many patients with Barlow’s syndrome also suffer from other problems such as Marfan’s syndrome, skeletal abnormalities like scoliosis and a funnel chest. (Health24.com, “Barlow’s Syndrome,” accessed April 14, 2010)
Symptoms of Barlow’s Syndrome
Most patients do not know that they have Barlow’s syndrome because they do not experience symptoms. If they do have symptoms, they are generalized and non-specific such as fatigue, headaches or dizziness. Other symptoms that can be associated with Barlow’s syndrome include palpitations, low blood pressure when lying down, shortness of breath, chest pressure or pain and panic attacks. (Nilm.nih.gov, “Mitral Valve Prolapse,”, accessed April 14, 2010).
Diagnosing and Treatment for Barlow’s Syndrome
Because of lack of symptoms or because symptoms are non-specific, diagnosing Barlow’s syndrome is done by electrocardiogram and echocardiograms performed in a hospital or in another medical out-patient setting. These tests are important for the evaluation of the degree of prolapse and possible mitral valve regurgitation which will determine the most appropriate treatment. (Nilm.nih.gov, “Mitral Valve Prolapse,” accessed April 14, 2010).
When it is determined by the doctor that there is little or no significant mitral valve prolapse, Barlow’s syndrome can be managed with treatment such as medication therapy. If mitral regurgitation is present, depending on its severity, the treatment may indicate surgery.
Moderate to severe mitral regurgitation can be treated with heart valve surgery to prevent heart failure. If left untreated, mitral regurgitation, although rare, can lead to sudden death. Therefore, a person should always tell their doctor if they experience any cardiac symptoms or any of the symptoms of Barlow’s syndrome or mitral regurgitation.
Source:
Emedicine.com, “Mitral Valve Prolapse”, (Accessed April 14, 2010).
Mary Ann George - I am a registered nurse currently working as a case manager in the home health industry. My credentials include a BS degree in education, ...
