I just received a very interesting question from Rhonda about [1] mitral regurgitation and heart disease.

Rhonda writes, “Hi Adam! I was diagnosed with [2] mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation about 8 years ago. My cardiologist monitors my heart each year using echocardiograms and ekg’s. Recently, my cardiologist told me that I may require heart valve surgery within the next 24 months. Here’s my question to you, “Is mitral regurgitation and mitral prolapse considered heart disease?”

Rhonda continues, “I guess I’ve never thought of mitral regurgitation as heart disease. So when asked about my ‘health history’ at doctor visits I usually tell my physicians / nurses that I don’t have heart disease. Am I in denial?”

Here is my response to Rhonda’s question:

Hi Rhonda,

Nice to meet you! Thanks so much for writing!

You raise a very interesting question as to whether heart valve disorders are considered “heart disease”.

So you know, this is the first time I ever received this question. That said, I did not have a quick response. I thought about it, did some Google’ing. I even consulted Torrance Memorials Guide To Heart Health to develop a good answer for you.

Here are my thoughts:

• Mitral regurgitation, on its own, does not indicate heart disease. You have to remember that mitral valve prolapse impacts many people. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 2% of all adults in the United States have some form of mitral valve prolapse - the cause of the regurgitation.
• However, if the mitral valve degenerates over time, it can lead to heart valve disease. [3] severe aortic stenosis.)
• Here is the interesting part for you to know. Heart valve disease can lead to heart disease. Specifically, if the cardiac muscle is compromised, congestive heart failure can result. In my case, my [4] heart had already begun to dilate (become enlarged).

I hope that helps you better understand the relationship between mitral valve prolapse and heart disease.

Keep on tickin!!!

[5] To learn more about Adam’s heart valve surgery book, click here.