Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Mitral Valve Regurgitation (MVR), also known as mitral insufficiency or mitral incompetence, is a condition in which the heart's mitral valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward in the heart. This backward flow is referred to as regurgitation.

Causes

Mitral valve regurgitation can be caused by a variety of factors, including mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease, infective endocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart defects. Mitral valve prolapse is the most common cause, where the valve leaflets bulge (prolapse) into the left atrium during the heart's contraction.

Symptoms

Many individuals with mitral valve regurgitation may not experience symptoms for years. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms might include fatigue, shortness of breath, particularly during or after physical activity or when lying down, heart palpitations, swollen feet or ankles, and a high-pitched heart murmur.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of mitral valve regurgitation involves a physical examination, during which a doctor may listen for a heart murmur with a stethoscope. Additional tests can include an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart and can show the blood flow through the mitral valve, and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which records the heart's electrical activity.

Treatment

Treatment for mitral valve regurgitation depends on the severity of the condition, whether it's worsening, and if it's causing symptoms. Mild cases may simply require regular monitoring. More severe cases might necessitate medication to reduce symptoms or surgery to repair or replace the faulty valve. Surgical options include mitral valve repair and mitral valve replacement.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with mitral valve regurgitation varies. Those with mild to moderate conditions may live normal lives with minimal treatment. However, severe mitral valve regurgitation can lead to heart failure and other serious complications if not treated.