Mitral Valve Prolapse
(With Mitral Valve Regurgitation)

Mitral Valve Regurgitation - Symptoms, Treatment

Mitral valve regurgitation, also known as mitral regurgitation, is a condition in which the mitral valve does not seal tightly, which allows blood to flow backward in your heart. The is also known as a leaking heart valve.

When the mitral valve does not function properly, blood can not efficiently flow your heart and body. Mitral valve regurgitation is also called mitral insufficiency, or incompetence. The condition can leave you fatigued and short of breath.

According to the Mayo Clinic, as many as one in five people over age fifty-five may have some degree of mitral valve regurgitation. Treatment of mitral valve regurgitation depends on the severity and progression of your condition and signs and symptoms. You may need heart surgery to repair or replace the valve. Left unchecked, severe mitral valve regurgitation can lead to congestive heart failure or serious heart rhythm irregularities (arrhythmias).

What Are Mitral Valve Regurgitation Symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation depend on how severely and quickly the condition develops. Most often mitral valve regurgitation is mild and develops slowly. Because you may have no symptoms, you may be completely unaware that you have this condition.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, when signs and symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation develop, they may do so gradually because the heart is able to compensate for the valve defect for some time. Mitral valve regurgitation is often first suspected when your doctor hears a new heart murmur. Sometimes, however, the disorder develops quickly, and you may experience an abrupt onset of more severe signs and symptoms. Indicators of mitral valve regurgitation include:

• Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when you lie down
• Fatigue, especially during times of increased activity
• Cough, especially at night or when lying down
• Heart palpitations - sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat
• Swollen feet or ankles
• Heart murmur
• Excessive urination

>> NEXT: To learn more about mitral valve regurgitation and the medical procedures used to repair or replace defective mitral valves, please click here.