Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a condition in which the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, does not close properly. This leads to blood flowing backwards from the left ventricle into the left atrium during the ventricular contraction, known as systole. This is significant because it can lead to symptoms and complications of heart failure and can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke, and death if left untreated.
Symptoms of MR may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. It is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, echocardiography, and other imaging tests such as cardiac MRI or CT.
MR can be caused by a variety of factors, including congenital heart defects, rheumatic fever, and degeneration of the mitral valve due to age. It is more common in older adults and individuals with certain underlying health conditions such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease.
Treatment for MR depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Medical management typically includes medications to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, such as diuretics to reduce fluid buildup in the lungs and ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
Interventional management may include transcatheter mitral valve repair or replacement, which is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in selected patient, while surgical management typically involves open-heart surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve.
Patients with MR will typically require ongoing monitoring and follow-up to track the progression of the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
See your doctor if you need further information.
References:
-Mitral Regurgitation (MR) – American College of Cardiology. https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/03/09/mitral-regurgitation-mr -Mitral Regurgitation (MR)
– Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17166-mitral-regurgitation -Mitral Regurgitation – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mitral-regurgitation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350958