Mitral regurgitation - chronic

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Heart, front view

Heart, section through the middle

Chronic mitral valve regurgitation; Mitral valve insufficiency

The choice of treatment depends on the symptoms present and the condition and function of the heart.

Antibiotics are prescribed if you have a bacteria infection. They are also used to reduce the risk of infective endocarditis in patients with mitral valve prolapse who are having dental work.

Anti-hypertensive drugs and vasodilators may be given to reduce the strain on the heart and may help improve the condition.  

Anti-coagulant or anti-platelet medications (blood thinners) may be used to prevent clot formation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Digitalis may be used to strengthen the heartbeat, along with diuretics (water pills) to remove excess fluid in the lungs.

A low-sodium diet may be helpful. Most individuals have no symptoms; but if a person develops symptoms, activity may be restricted.

Hospitalization may be required for diagnosis and treatment of severe symptoms. Surgical repair or replacement of the valve is recommended if heart function is poor, if symptoms are severe, or if the condition deteriorates. Once the diagnosis of mitral regurgitation is made, periodic follow-up by a specialist is needed to determine the appropriateness of surgery.

The outcome varies and depends on the underlying conditions. Usually the condition is benign, so no therapy or restriction is necessary. Symptoms can usually be controlled with medication. In severe cases, valve repair or valve replacement may be necessary.

• Endocarditis (infection of the heart valve)
• Heart failure
• Pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs)
• Stroke
• Clots to other areas
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), including atrial fibrillation and lethal arrhythmias

Call your health care provider if symptoms suggest mitral regurgitation or if you have mitral regurgitation and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment. Also call your health care provider if signs of infection occur during treatment: fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, malaise (general ill feeling).

Review Date: 05/30/2006
Reviewed By: Alan Berger, MD, Assistant Professor, Divisions of Cardiology and Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Review provided byVeriMed Healthcare Network.