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Mitral Regurgitation

Authors:
  • Ricker Polsdorfer, MD
Publication Type:

Condition

Mitral Regurgitation

(Mitral Insufficiency)

Definition

The mitral valve sits in the left side of the heart. It helps control the flow of blood from the top part of the heart to the bottom part. The valve makes sure the blood moves in one direction.

Mitral regurgitation is a leak in this valve. Blood leaks back into the upper chamber. Minor leaks may not be noticed. Severe leaks can cause serious symptoms and illness. The sooner it is treated, the better the outcome.

Mitral Valve Regurgitation.

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Causes

Mitral regurgitation may be the result of a valve problem such as:

  • Mitral valve prolapse—the valve cannot close properly
  • Several types of heart problems that a person is born with can affect how the mitral valve works.

The valve can also be harmed by other health issues such as:

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the chance of developing mitral regurgitation include:

Symptoms

Symptoms may appear quickly or slowly over time. Mitral regurgitation can cause:

  • A feeling of being tired that does not go away and gets worse over time
  • Shortness of breath, especially with activity
  • Shortness of breath that gets worse when lying down
  • Feeling of fluttering in chest or racing heart rate

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A leaking heart valve will make a sound called a murmur. The doctor may be able to hear it during an exam. A doctor who focuses on treating the heart may need to be seen.

Images of the heart will help find which valve is leaking. These may be taken with:

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to make sure the heart is working well and manage any symptoms. How this is done will depend on:
  • How bad the leak is
  • How well the heart is working with the leak
Severe regurgitation can also cause lung problems. Over time, it can also cause the heart muscle to grow larger.

Treatment options include:

Prevention

To help reduce the chances mitral regurgitation:

  • Follow heart healthy habits such as:
    • Control weight and blood pressure
    • Work out regularly
    • Eat heart-healthy foods
  • Get health care right away for any infections
  • Avoid IV drug use
  • Limit alcohol intake

Medical Management

When possible the underlying cause will be treated. This may help the valve work normally again.

Medicine may help decrease symptoms and effects on the heart. It is an option for those who have a less severe form of the regurgitation that is slowly getting worse.

Medicine may also help steady severe disease for a short time. It may be used to help the heart before surgery. A pump may also be needed to help the heart be ready for surgery.

Medical Management

When possible the underlying cause will be treated. This may help the valve work normally again.

Medicine may help decrease symptoms and effects on the heart. It is an option for those who have a less severe form of the regurgitation that is slowly getting worse.

Medicine may also help steady severe disease for a short time. It may be used to help the heart before surgery. A pump may also be needed to help the heart be ready for surgery.

Surgery

Valves that are causing severe problems or getting worse fast will need surgery. The valve will be fixed or replaced.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Mitral regurgitation. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/mitral-regurgitation.
  • Mitral valve regurgitation. CardioSmart—American College of Cardiology website. Available at: https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/mitral-regurgitation.
  • Problem: Mitral valve regurgitation. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/problem-mitral-valve-regurgitation.
  • Uretsky, S., Argulian, E., et al. Use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in assessing mitral regurgitation: current evidence. J Am Coll Cardiol, 2018; 71 (5): 547-563.

Contributors

  • Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.