What is Mitral valve regurgitation?

Mitral valve regurgitation, also known as mitral insufficiency or incompetence, is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward from the ventricle into the atrium during systole (heart contraction).

Normally, when the ventricle contracts, the mitral valve shuts tightly to prevent blood from flowing back into the atrium. However, in mitral valve regurgitation, the valve leaflets may be damaged, deformed, or weakened, causing them to bulge backward (prolapse) into the atrium during systole. This leads to the leakage of blood, known as regurgitation.

Mitral valve regurgitation can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the valve leakage. Mild cases may not cause any noticeable symptoms or require treatment, while severe cases can lead to various heart problems and symptoms, including:

Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or lying down

Fatigue

Palpitations

Chest pain

Swelling in the feet, ankles, and abdomen

If the mitral valve regurgitation is significant, it can strain the heart muscles and lead to the enlargement of the left atrium and ventricle. Over time, this can result in heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Mitral valve regurgitation can be caused by various factors, including:

Rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat that can damage the heart valves

Degenerative changes related to aging

Congenital heart defects

Heart attack

Ischemic heart disease (blocked arteries supplying blood to the heart)

Infective endocarditis (bacterial infection of the heart valves)

Mitral valve regurgitation is diagnosed through a physical examination, listening to the heart sounds, and imaging tests such as echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), which can evaluate the severity of the regurgitation and its impact on the heart.

Treatment for mitral valve regurgitation depends on the severity of the condition and associated symptoms. In mild cases, regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and digoxin may be prescribed to manage symptoms and improve heart function. For severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or replace the mitral valve. This can be done through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques like transcatheter mitral valve repair or replacement.

Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is crucial for monitoring the progression of mitral valve regurgitation and ensuring appropriate management to prevent complications and preserve heart health.