Mitral Valve Regurgitation - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What Is Mitral Valve Regurgitation ?
Mitral Valve Regurgitation, also known as mitral insufficiency or a leaky mitral valve, occurs when the mitral valve fails to seal completely, allowing blood to flow backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium Cleveland Clinic. This backward flow forces the heart to work harder, and over time may progress from a mild, often symptomless condition to a serious cardiac issue Cleveland Clinic
"Early detection and minimally invasive repair offer the best outcomes in mitral valve regurgitation."
Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially when lying flat or during physical activity Cleveland ClinicMayo Clinic
Palpitations: rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats Mayo ClinicCleveland Clinic
Fatigue and reduced stamina Cleveland ClinicMayo Clinic
Swelling in the feet or ankles (edema) Mayo ClinicCleveland Clinic
Coughing or chest discomfort in some cases Cleveland Clinic+1
Symptoms of Mitral Valve Regurgitation
“Breathlessness, fatigue, or palpitations can be early signs of mitral valve regurgitation. Don’t ignore them—early diagnosis prevents serious heart complications.” — Dr. Vishal Khante
A cardiologist typically begins diagnosis with a comprehensive physical examination and discussion of your symptoms and medical history Mayo Clinic. A whooshing heart murmur may be detected using a stethoscope Mayo Clinic.
Common tests include:
Echocardiogram (TTE or TEE) to assess valve structure and regurgitation severity Mayo Clinic
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation Mayo Clinic
Chest X-ray to check for enlarged heart or fluid accumulation in the lungs Mayo Clinic
Stress/exercise testing to observe symptoms under exertion Mayo Clinic
Cardiac catheterization, primarily if other diagnostics are inconclusive Mayo Clinic
Diagnosis & Testing
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1. Medical Management & Monitoring
For mild MR, lifestyle adjustments (healthy diet, regular monitoring, and medications) might suffice Mayo Clinic+1University Hospitals. Medications may include:
Diuretics to reduce fluid overload Mayo Clinic
Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots in cases with atrial fibrillation Mayo Clinic
Vasodilators (e.g., ACE inhibitors, hydralazine) to reduce heart workload in chronic MR Wikipedia+1
2. Minimally Invasive and Interventional Options
MitraClip is a catheter-based procedure that clips mitral valve leaflets together—ideal for patients not suitable for open-heart surgery WikipediaVerywell Health.
In some instances, doctors may deploy clips or plugs via catheter approaches, offering a less invasive alternative to surgery Mayo Clinic.
3. Surgical Intervention
When MR is severe or symptomatic:
Mitral Valve Repair is preferred whenever feasible—procedures include annuloplasty (valve ring reinforcement), leaflet resection, or artificial chordae implantation Wikipedia+1. Repair offers better outcomes and often avoids long-term anticoagulation Wikipedia.
Mitral Valve Replacement may be necessary when repair isn’t viable, using mechanical or tissue valves WikipediaAmerican Hospital.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques (keyhole or port-access) reduce incisions and speed recovery WikipediaMayo Clinic.