Based on your past medical history, current symptoms, physical exam, and special tests, your doctor is recommending a procedure called a mitral valve replacement.

The goal of a mitral valve replacement is to remove your diseased or defective mitral valve, which is inside your heart, and replace it with another valve.

In most cases, this surgery can improve the symptoms caused by your defective valve, such as shortness of breath, fainting, fatigue and swelling in your legs.

Over time, a defective mitral valve may cause lung, kidney or even liver problems.

At this time, your doctor feels that mitral valve replacement is appropriate for your situation.