what course of treatment for mitral valve regurgitation

by Laurianne Hilpert II 3 min read

Treatment options for mitral regurgitation may include medication, catheter-based procedure, minimally invasive valve surgery or open-heart surgery.

Medication

This is turn balances out the cardiac system. Can mitral valve regurgitation heal on its own? No, It is a structural abnormality of the heart. The symptoms of this may be more or less severe, at times, but the defect doesn't heal on it's own. Below is an image, showing the structure a normal valve and the one with a prolapse or regurgitating valve.

Procedures

What is life expectancy after mitral valve repair? Median survival after MV ‐repair was 7.8 years, close to 8.5 years (95% CI : 8.2–9.4) in the age‐matched UK population (ratio 0.9). Rate of re‐operation for MV ‐dysfunction was 2.3% versus 2.5% (mitral valve replacement, P’=’1.0).

Nutrition

Possible risks of mitral valve repair and mitral valve replacement surgery include: Bleeding; Blood clots; Valve dysfunction in replacement valves; Heart rhythm problems; Infection; Stroke; Death; How you prepare. Your doctor may order several tests to get more information about your heart condition, including an echocardiogram.

Can mitral valve regurgitation heal on its own?

Mitral valve repair. Mitral valve repair is an operation to make the flaps of the mitral valve stay closer together. This will help stop blood flowing the wrong way through the valve. It's mainly used to treat mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation, if the problem is serious and causing symptoms.

What is life expectancy after mitral valve repair?

How dangerous is mitral valve replacement surgery?

What is mitral valve replacement used to treat?

What kind of doctor treats mitral valve regurgitation?

How do surgeons repair valves?

What is the sound of blood leaking backwards through the mitral valve?

Can a mitral valve be repaired?

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What treatment is used for mitral regurgitation?

Diuretics that help reduce the buildup of fluids in the body and swelling in the legs and feet. Blood thinners to prevent with clots. Beta blockers that help control your heart rate. Hypertension drugs to keep your blood pressure stable.

Does mitral regurgitation need treatment?

Treatment of mitral valve regurgitation may include: Healthy lifestyle changes. Regular monitoring by a health care provider. Medications to treat symptoms and prevent complications, such as blood clots.

Does mild mitral regurgitation require surgery?

Some people with mitral regurgitation don't need treatment, especially when the regurgitation is mild. Severe mitral valve regurgitation often requires a catheter procedure or heart surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve.

Does moderate mitral regurgitation require surgery?

If you are diagnosed with moderate to severe (grade 3) or severe (grade 4) mitral regurgitation, your doctor may recommend a surgical treatment. One measure used to determine whether a surgical approach should be taken is called ejection fraction.

How long can you live with mild mitral valve regurgitation?

Widely disparate estimates of long term survival in patients with mitral regurgitation—between 97–27% at five years—have been reported. We analysed the natural history of mitral regurgitation caused by flail leaflets because these patients present with severe mitral regurgitation in more than 85% of cases.

Should I worry about mitral regurgitation?

It also varies depending on how severe and sudden the condition is. And it depends on your overall health. Mitral valve regurgitation can increase risk for other heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation. If you have mild or moderate mitral valve regurgitation, you may not need any treatment.

Can you live a long life with mitral valve regurgitation?

Most people with mitral valve prolapse can lead active, long lives. It is important to receive ongoing medical care to monitor your condition, to follow a heart healthy diet and get regular exercise. If symptoms appear or worsen, they can usually be controlled with medicines.

What should I avoid if I have mitral valve regurgitation?

Eating well: You need to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. You'll need to limit salt, added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and alcohol.

Is exercise good for mitral valve regurgitation?

If you have mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation (MR) and do not have symptoms, you likely do not have to limit your physical activity. If you do have symptoms or if you have irregular heart rhythms or changes in your heart size or function, you may need to be cautious about physical activity.

Can a mitral valve be fixed without surgery?

The Structural Heart and Valve Center at NYP/Columbia has long been a leader in catheter-based treatment—the least invasive therapy—to repair the mitral valve. This valve regulates blood flow between the upper and the lower chambers on the left side of the heart.

Can a mitral valve be replaced without open heart surgery?

A minimally invasive mitral valve replacement is a procedure to replace a poorly working mitral valve with an artificial valve without the need for open heart surgery.

How much mitral regurgitation is normal?

In the population as a whole around 2% of people have at least moderate mitral regurgitation. In those younger than 40 years of age, it is likely only around 0.5% and in those over 75 years of age it likely approaches 10%.

Tips for Living With Mitral Valve Regurgitation - WebMD

There is no cure for mitral valve regurgitation short of surgery, but there are plenty of ways to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment - WebMD

Some of the blood in your heart isn’t flowing the right way if you have mitral valve regurgitation. Learn the signs and what you can do about it.

Treatments For Mitral Valve Regurgitation - HealthPrep.com

Mitral valve regurgitation is a cardiac problem characterized by a leaky mitral valve that does not close as it should. Also known as mitral insufficiency, this condition causes blood to leak into the cardiac muscle rather than flowing out into the rest of the body.

Treatment Options for Mitral Regurgitation

Depending on the severity of your heart valve disease, your cardiologist may recommend: Medications; Surgical treatment; Non-surgical, less invasive treatments

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Mitral valve regurgitation - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Overview. Mitral valve regurgitation is a type of heart valve disease in which the valve between the left heart chambers doesn't close completely, allowing blood to leak backward across the valve.

What is the procedure to repair a mitral valve?

Open-heart surgery to repair or replace the diseased valve may be required for severe mitral valve regurgitation that develops or worsens abruptly. The replacement is a mechanical valve or one made of pig, cow or human heart tissue.

What to do if your heart regurgitates?

Your doctor will monitor your condition and may prescribe medication to relieve symptoms. If the regurgitation is more of a problem, you may need to have the valve repaired or replaced. Depending on your heart's condition and your overall health, the doctor will recommend one of the following procedures: Open-heart surgery to repair ...

Can mitral valve surgery be done with a bypass machine?

During surgery, the patient's heart is temporarily stopped to allow work on the valve, so a heart-lung bypass machine is used to circulate blood through the body. Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be an option for patients who have regurgitation but no other serious heart problems.

Can you make an incision in the chest for mitral valve replacement?

The procedure doesn't require making incisions in the chest or temporarily stopping the heart. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement may be recommended for certain patients who are not candidates for either open-heart or minimally invasive valve repair.

What causes mitral valve regurgitation?

Mitral valve regurgitation can be caused by various problems, such as: 1 Mitral valve prolapse – a common heart issue where the mitral leaflets bulge back into the left atrium during contractions, preventing the valve from closing tightly. 2 Damaged tissue cords – tissue cords that anchor the leaflets to the heart muscle may stretch or tear, causing a mitral valve leak. 3 Rheumatic fever – this complication of untreated infection in early life could damage the mitral valve, leading to regurgitation later in life. 4 Heart attack – this can damage the area of the muscle that supports the valve, affecting its function. 5 Congenital heart defects – it is possible to be born with damaged heart valves. 6 Endocarditis – the valve may be damaged by an infection of the lining of the heart. 7 Atrial fibrillation – atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm problem that can be a potential cause of mitral or tricuspid valve regurgitation.

What are the symptoms of mitral regurgitation?

If you experience shortness of breath, ankle swelling, and palpitations, there are typical mitral regurgitation symptoms, and you should get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

What is the name of the process where blood travels back to the left atrium?

Mitral valve regurgitation is the medical name for when the mitral valve leaks. When the mitral valve leaks, blood travels back towards the left atrium and lungs as the left ventricle contracts. This means that less blood is pumped around the body with each contraction of the heart.

Why does my mitral valve leak?

The mitral valve leaks either as a result of prolapse or rupture of one of the two leaflets, or as a result of dilatation of the ring or “annulus” upon which it hangs. Usually, it is a combination of both pathologies and corrective surgery requires repair of the leaflets, as well as remodelling of the annulus.

What happens if a valve is not repaired?

If the valve is not repairable, then replacement should be considered when symptoms (breathlessness) develop, or if there is evidence of heart enlargement, atrial fibrillation, or pulmonary hypertension.

Can mitral regurgitation cause palpitations?

There are a few mitral regurgitation symptoms, but they can be potential symptoms for many diseases – or, sometimes, they can be nothing at all. Therefore, it is so important to get your symptoms checked by a doctor as soon as possible. If you experience shortness of breath, ankle swelling, and palpitations, there are typical mitral regurgitation ...

What happens when mitral regurgitation is severe?

When mitral regurgitation is severe, the blood backs up into the lungs. This leads to congestive heart failure, which causes fatigue, fluid retention and shortness of breath. Additionally, the leakiness of the valve burdens the heart and causes it to work harder. Eventually the heart becomes weakened and enlarged.

How many people have mitral valve regurgitation?

An estimated 4 million people in the U.S. have significant mitral valve regurgitation. About one in 10 people age 75 and older have mitral valve regurgitation.

What is TMVR in Michigan?

Beaumont was one of the few hospitals in Michigan who participated in the MitraClip research study and was the first hospital in Michigan to implant the FDA approved device in 2013. Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) is another options for patients with mitral valve disease (mitral valve stenosis or mitral valve regurgitation).

What happens when the left ventricle squeezes?

When the left ventricle squeezes, the mitral valve closes to prevent blood from traveling backwards and re-entering the left atrium and subsequently the lungs. When the two flaps or leaflets of the mitral valve do not close properly, mitral valve regurgitation occurs.

What is the most common form of heart valve disease?

Mitral Valve Regurgitation (Mitral Valve Insufficiency) Mitral valve regurgitation, also known as mitral valve insufficiency or mitral valve incompetence, is the most common form of heart valve disease. An estimated 4 million people in the U.S. have significant mitral valve regurgitation.

How to tell if you have mitral regurgitation?

Following are common symptoms of mitral regurgitation. Symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the condition and how long it has been developing: fatigue. shortness of breath. swollen feet or ankles. rapid, fluttering of heartbeat (heart palpitations) cough, especially when lying down. heart murmur.

Which valve separates the left atrium?

The mitral valve is a one-way valve that separates the left atrium, the heart chamber that receives blood from the lungs, from the left ventricle, the heart chamber that pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Treatment Details

Tampa General Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute offers advanced treatments for mitral valve regurgitation, including minimally invasive and robot-assisted options that allow for a quicker recovery period.

What to Expect

The benefits of mitral valve regurgitation treatment include preserving heart function, improving your symptoms and having a better quality of life. Patients who are eligible for a mitral valve repair over a replacement will also benefit from not needing to be on blood thinners and having a lower risk of stroke or infection.

Effectiveness

Mitral valve repair is a highly effective treatment for mitral valve regurgitation, with a majority of patients not needing a second operation to repair the valve.

What is it called when the mitral valve in the heart narrows?

How We Can Help You. Mitral valve stenosis occurs when the mitral valve in your heart narrows, restricting blood flow into the main pumping chamber. Your mitral valve may also leak, causing blood to flow back through the valve each time the left ventricle contracts. This condition is called mitral valve regurgitation.

What is the procedure to tighten a loose valve?

Annuloplasty: During this minimally invasive surgery for regurgitation, your doctor places a ring to tighten the loose valve. A Variety of Repair Techniques: Doctors use open-heart surgery to cut away loose leaflet, repair torn cords in addition to annuloplasty.

Can you repair a stenosis without surgery?

These interventional procedures may help if you cannot undergo surgery for regurgitation or if the stenosis is due to rheumatic fever. Procedures include:

Is valve surgery safe?

Valve surgery still offers the safest, most effective, and longest lasting fix for many people. Because of the benefits, we prefer to surgically repair your valve and can often do so with a minimally invasive approach.

What kind of doctor treats mitral valve regurgitation?

A doctor trained in heart disease (cardiologist) will provide your care. If you have mitral valve regurgitation, consider being treated at a medical center with a multidisciplinary team of doctors and medical staff trained and experienced in evaluating and treating heart valve disease.

How do surgeons repair valves?

Surgeons can repair the valve by reconnecting valve flaps (leaflets), replacing the cords that support the valve, or removing excess valve tissue so that the leaflets can close tightly. Surgeons may often tighten or reinforce the ring around a valve (annulus) by implanting an artificial ring (annuloplasty band).

What is the sound of blood leaking backwards through the mitral valve?

Mitral valve regurgitation usually produces a sound of blood leaking backward through the mitral valve (heart murmur). Your doctor will then decide which tests are needed to make a diagnosis. For testing, you may be referred to a cardiologist.

Can a mitral valve be repaired?

Your mitral valve may need to be repaired or replaced. Doctors may suggest mitral valve repair or replacement even if you aren't experiencing symptoms, as this may prevent complications and improve outcomes. If you need surgery for another heart condition, your doctor may repair or replace the diseased mitral valve at the same time.

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Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Coping and Support

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Kabir Sethi
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Medications may help reduce the symptoms while surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve may be recommended for severe cases.
Medication

Diuretics: Helps relieve fluid accumulation in lungs and legs which may accompany mitral regurgitation.

Chlorothiazide . Indapamide


Diuretics: Helps relieve fluid accumulation in lungs and legs which may accompany mitral regurgitation.

Chlorothiazide . Indapamide


Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: To manage high blood pressure.

Quinapril . Perindopril erbumine


Beta blockers: To prevent arrhythmias by reducing blood pressure and relaxing smooth muscles of blood vessels.

Atenolol . Bisoprolol


Anticoagulants: To reduce the risks of clot formation.

Warfarin . Heparin

Procedures

Valve repair: To reconnect valve leaflets or removes excess valve tissue.

Valve replacement: The narrowed valves are removed and replaced with a bio prosthetic valve.

Nutrition

Food doesn't directly affect mitral valve regurgitation but eating food that helps maintain general health of the heart is important.

Specialist to consult

Cardiologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and management heart related disorders.
Cardiothoracic surgeon
Specializes in the surgical procedures of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Your doctor will ask about your medical history and your family history of heart disease. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam that includes listening to your heart with a stethoscope. Mitral valve regurgitation usually produces a sound of blood leaking backward through the mitra…
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