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Mitral Regurgitation

Mitral valve regurgitation (also known as mitral insufficiency or mitral incompetence) is a condition where the mitral valve in the heart does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward (regurgitate) into the left atrium instead of moving forward into the left ventricle during contraction. This backflow can lead to a variety of symptoms and, if left untreated, may cause complications such as heart enlargement, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

The mitral valve is located between the heart’s left atrium and left ventricle. It opens to allow blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle and closes to prevent backflow when the left ventricle contracts and pumps blood into the aorta. When the valve does not close properly, blood leaks backward, reducing the amount of blood that moves forward with each heartbeat.

Mitral valve regurgitation can develop from the following:

  1. Mitral valve prolapse: A common cause where the valve’s leaflets bulge back into the left atrium during contraction, allowing some blood to leak.
  2. Heart attack: Damage to the muscles supporting the valve can affect its function, leading to regurgitation.
  3. Rheumatic fever: A complication of untreated strep throat, rheumatic fever can cause scarring and deformity of the mitral valve, leading to improper closure.
  4. Infective endocarditis: An infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves can damage the mitral valve.
  5. Degenerative valve disease: Age-related wear and tear can cause the valve to weaken and leak.
  6. Cardiomyopathy: Conditions that enlarge or weaken the heart muscle can distort the mitral valve, causing regurgitation.
  7. Congenital heart defects: Some individuals are born with malformed valves that may not function properly.
  8. Trauma: Severe injury to the chest can damage the valve.

In mild cases, mitral regurgitation may not cause noticeable symptoms for years. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may develop, including:

  • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down
  • Fatigue and reduced ability to exercise
  • Palpitations (feeling of a rapid or irregular heartbeat)
  • Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen (edema)
  • Coughing, particularly at night or when lying down
  • Heart murmur, which can be heard by a doctor with a stethoscope

In severe cases, mitral regurgitation can lead to heart failure and atrial fibrillation, a common type of irregular heartbeat.

Treatment options

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Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) i.e. “MitraClip”

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Surgical Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement

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Robotic Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement

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