Mitral Regurgitation
Mitral Regurgitation (MR) is when your heart's mitral valve allows blood to flow back. If this is significant, blood cannot flow to the rest of your body properly, causing symptoms that include difficulty doing activities or feeling out of breath.
There are 5 Main Causes of Mitral Regurgitation.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Infective Endocarditis
Infective Endocarditis
Mitral Valve Prolapse occurs when the mitral valve leaflets do not line up properly because the leaflet tissue is too relaxed. Blood can leak backwards from the left ventricle to the left atrium.
Infective Endocarditis
Infective Endocarditis
Infective Endocarditis
When bacteria or fungi invade the bloodstream and adhere to the valves, they prevent the mitral valve from closing properly. This can cause Mitral Regurgitation.
Rheumatic Fever
Infective Endocarditis
Heart Valve Abnormalities
Sometimes strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever which can cause scar tissue to form within the heart. When this happens, the valves of the heart become inflamed and cause Mitral Regurgitation.
Heart Valve Abnormalities
Heart Valve Abnormalities
Heart Valve Abnormalities
Both congenital heart abnormalities and acquired heart abnormalities can cause MR when the components of the mitral valve change due to developmental or chronic conditions.
Heart Attack
Heart Valve Abnormalities
Heart Attack
Heart Attacks can cause the heart muscle to weaken resulting in changes to the structure of the mitral valve.
Common Symptoms
Fatigue
Swollen Feet or Ankles
Heart Palpitations (Fast Heart Rate)
Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath, especially while active
Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?
If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?
If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?
Valve diseases may not worsen over time but sometimes they can. It is important to continue to monitor your heart disease to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening complications. Your doctor should have a plan on how to continue to monitor your disease.
Should I have a mechanical valve or bioprosthetic valve?
If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?
If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?
Mechanical valves are more durable and should last for the rest of your life but require that you take lifelong blood thinning medication. Bioprosthetics only last about 10 to 20 years but do not require long-term blood thinning medication. Speak with your doctor on which may be right for you.
Will my valve have to be repaired or replaced?
If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?
Will my valve have to be repaired or replaced?
Depending on the severity of your Mitral Regurgitation, your doctor may be able to perform a minimally invasive repair. A consultation with a cardiac surgeon experienced with repair/replacement techniques will be very important.
Is it going to be open or percutaneous?
Am I a candidate for a minimally-invasive option?
Will my valve have to be repaired or replaced?
Open is more invasive and will most likely require more recovery time while percutaneous does not require a large incision and will allow for a quicker recovery.
Am I a candidate for a minimally-invasive option?
Am I a candidate for a minimally-invasive option?
Am I a candidate for a minimally-invasive option?
Depending on your overall health, your doctor will be able to discuss options for surgery. If open-heart surgery is too dangerous for you, your doctor may discuss percutaneous options.
Treatment Information
Mitral Valve Repair
Your doctor may be able to perform a surgical or minimally invasive repair that allows your mitral valve to function properly.
Mitral Valve Replacement
Your mitral valve may be replaced by your doctor through surgery or through a minimally invasive technique.
MitraClip
A minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter to attach the MitraClip device to your mitral valve. It allows the mitral valve to close properly, allowing for proper blood flow through the rest of your heart.
Medical Management
Mild and moderate mitral regurgitation can be treated through medical management. Medications can be used to reduce the symptoms of your mitral regurgitation. Medications include diuretics, antihypertensives, beta blockers, vasodilators or antibiotics. These can also reduce the risk of complications associated with mitral regurgitation.
Check out the American Heart Association's Page on Mitral Regurgitation!
Resources
MITRAL REGURGITATION
Mitral Regurgitation - CARDIOSMART
Mitral Regurgitation - CARDIOSMART
Learn about common symptoms and treatments for Mitral Regurgitation
Mitral Regurgitation - CARDIOSMART
Mitral Regurgitation - CARDIOSMART
Mitral Regurgitation - CARDIOSMART
Learn more about Mitral Regurgitation via CardioSmart
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