Mitral insufficiency

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Mitral Insufficiency
Synonyms Mitral Regurgitation
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations
Complications Heart failure, atrial fibrillation
Onset Gradual
Duration Long-term
Types N/A
Causes Mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease, endocarditis
Risks Age, connective tissue disorders
Diagnosis Echocardiogram, chest X-ray, ECG
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment Medications, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Mitral insufficiency, also known as mitral regurgitation, is a disorder of the heart valves in which the mitral valve does not close properly when the heart pumps out blood. This allows blood to flow backward into the left atrium from the left ventricle, leading to various symptoms and complications.

Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Patients with mitral insufficiency may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying flat, fatigue, and palpitations. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Mitral insufficiency can be caused by several conditions, including mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease, and infective endocarditis. Other causes include ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathy.

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

Risk factors for developing mitral insufficiency include age, connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, and a history of rheumatic fever.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of mitral insufficiency is typically made using an echocardiogram, which can visualize the mitral valve and assess the severity of the regurgitation. Additional tests may include a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options for mitral insufficiency depend on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be managed with medications such as diuretics and beta-blockers. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, such as mitral valve repair or mitral valve replacement.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with mitral insufficiency varies depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. With appropriate treatment, many patients can lead normal lives, although some may experience complications such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Cardiovascular disease A-Z

Most common cardiac diseases

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A[edit source]

B[edit source]

C[edit source]

D[edit source]

E[edit source]

H[edit source]

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

I[edit source]

K[edit source]

L[edit source]

M[edit source]

N[edit source]

O[edit source]

P[edit source]

R[edit source]

S[edit source]

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

T[edit source]

V[edit source]

W[edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.