Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Mitral Valve Regurgitation is a medical condition that occurs when the mitral valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the left atrium during the contraction of the left ventricle. Keep reading to learn more about this condition.
What Is Mitral Valve Regurgitation?
Mitral valve regurgitation happens when the mitral valve does not close tightly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium instead of flowing into the left ventricle as it should. This backward flow can lead to health complications over time.
Types of Mitral Valve Regurgitation
There are two main types of this condition:
- Primary Mitral Valve Regurgitation:
This type involves structural issues with the valve itself. Damage to one or more parts of the valve can prevent it from closing properly.For example, the valve flaps may become overly flexible or too stiff to seal tightly.
- Secondary Mitral Valve Regurgitation:
This type is caused by other heart conditions that impair the valve’s function. Conditions such as cardiomyopathy can enlarge or weaken the heart, altering the valve’s position and preventing the flaps from sealing completely.
Causes of Mitral Valve Regurgitation
The causes differ based on the type of regurgitation:
Causes of Primary Mitral Valve Regurgitation
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Connective tissue disorders
- Trauma or injury
- Radiation therapy to the heart
- Endocarditis
Causes of Secondary Mitral Valve Regurgitation
- Ischemic heart disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown cause
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Mitral Valve Regurgitation Symptoms
Mild cases may not cause any symptoms. However, as the condition worsens and affects heart function, common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, either at rest or during physical activity
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Swelling in the legs or feet
- Extreme fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat
Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Regurgitation
After a physical examination and reviewing the patient’s medical history, a doctor typically uses transthoracic echocardiography to diagnose mitral valve regurgitation. This test helps identify heart issues, including valve leakage. For a more detailed view, a transesophageal echocardiogram may be performed.
Additional tests to determine severity and treatment include:
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT)
- Stress tests
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Cardiac catheterization
Mitral Valve Regurgitation Treatment
Treatment aims to improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and prevent serious complications. Mild cases may not require treatment, but regular follow-ups and medications are often recommended. Treatment options include:
Medications
- Diuretics: Prevent fluid buildup in the body.
- Blood pressure medications: Reduce stress on the mitral valve.
- Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots.
Surgical and Medical Procedures
Valve repair or replacement may be necessary, even in cases without severe symptoms.
Finally, Mitral valve regurgitation is one of the most common heart valve disorders. While some cases are asymptomatic, others may present sudden and severe symptoms. Regular follow-ups with a doctor are crucial for individuals experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or for those with existing heart conditions requiring monitoring.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24983-mitral-valve-regurgitation