Mitral valve regurgitation is a leaky valve in your heart’s left side. This common form of heart valve disease may not cause symptoms if the leak is minor. But a more severe leak can cause symptoms and affect how your heart works. Treatment for a mitral valve that doesn’t close all the way stops your blood from flowing backward.
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Mitral valve regurgitation is the backward flow of blood through your heart’s mitral valve. This “door” connects the two chambers on the left side of your heart. It opens and closes when your heart beats. When your mitral valve opens, it lets blood flow from your top left chamber (atrium) down to your bottom left chamber (ventricle). When it closes, blood flow between those chambers pauses. The sealed door prevents blood from flowing back up into the top chamber so that it can go out of your heart to supply blood to your body.
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But like other doors, your mitral valve can sometimes have trouble closing fully. This might be because of damage to the door itself (in this case, your valve tissue). Or, damage to the walls and structures surrounding the door (the left chambers of your heart) might keep it from working normally. In either case, your mitral valve can’t fully close. And some blood can leak out.
Doors in your heart can cause minor or serious issues depending on how wide the openings are. A minor leak in your mitral valve might not make much of a difference or cause you to worry. Your heart can easily compensate and you’ll feel fine. But if too much blood keeps leaking backward, your heart will have to work harder to send enough blood forward in the proper direction. Over time, this can take a toll on your heart, leading to symptoms and complications.
You may hear people refer to this condition by its shortened name, mitral regurgitation (MR). Other names include:
Mitral valve regurgitation is the most common type of heart valve disease in the U.S. It’s especially common among people as they get older (over age 65).
There are two main types of mitral regurgitation:
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MR of either type may be:
Mild mitral regurgitation may not cause any symptoms. But as the leaky valve gets worse and affects your heart function, a common symptom is shortness of breath (dyspnea). You may feel like you can’t get enough air into your lungs, or you have to work harder to breathe when you’re resting, lying down, trying to sleep or are physically active.
Other mitral valve regurgitation symptoms can include:
Symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation may develop gradually or suddenly.
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have symptoms of acute heart failure. These can happen if your heart is working too hard. Symptoms can come on suddenly and may include:
Acute heart failure is a sudden, quick decline in heart function. It’s a medical emergency that can be life-threatening without immediate care.
Mitral regurgitation happens when your valve fails to close completely. Your mitral valve has two flaps (leaflets) that open and close to send blood from your top left chamber (left atrium) into your lower left chamber (left ventricle).
Damage to the leaflets or other parts of the valve, and various medical conditions, can prevent your valve from closing tightly. As a result, some blood leaks backward each time your valve closes.
You might wonder what prevents your valve from closing normally. The specific cause depends on the type of MR you have (primary or secondary).
The causes of primary mitral valve regurgitation include:
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The causes of secondary mitral valve regurgitation include:
Mitral valve regurgitation can be life-threatening without treatment. Here are some possible complications:
A thorough physical exam is the first step toward a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will:
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Your provider may order tests to get more information.
Healthcare providers commonly use transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) to diagnose mitral valve regurgitation. This painless, noninvasive test can show if you have a leaky valve or other problems with your heart structure or function. If your provider needs to get a closer view of your valve, they can use a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).
To assess the severity of the condition or plan treatment, your provider may order additional tests, like:
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mitral valve regurgitation treatment. Healthcare providers tailor treatment to your needs. They’ll consider:
Your provider will explain the benefits and risks of available treatment options. It’s important to ask questions about anything you don’t understand so you can make an informed decision.
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Mitral regurgitation is the second most common reason for heart valve surgery in Western nations (aortic valve stenosis is the most common).
Treatment options for mitral valve regurgitation include:
Treatment options for mitral valve repair include:
Treatment options for mitral valve replacement include:
Treatments may include:
Possible treatments include:
It may not be possible to prevent this condition, but you can work with your healthcare provider to lower your risk for various forms of heart disease. They’ll give you advice tailored to your medical history and risk factors. In general, you can:
Many factors affect your outlook, including:
Because all of these factors play a role, your situation is unique. Your healthcare provider is the best person to ask about the expected course your condition may take. They know you and your medical history, as well as available treatment options that may help.
Mitral valve regurgitation progresses slowly in some people and more quickly in others. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the progression of your condition and how often they need to monitor you. They can also tell you how the condition may impact your life expectancy.
It’s always a good idea to manage your blood pressure and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Cardiac rehab after heart valve surgery can help you get back to physical activity. Mitral valve regurgitation management includes taking medicine after you get a new artificial valve. You’ll need to take anticoagulants for the rest of your life to prevent blood clots. You’ll also need to take antibiotics before dental appointments or upper respiratory tract procedures. This prevents endocarditis.
Your healthcare provider will tell you how often you need to come in for exams. The more severe your condition, the more often you’ll need follow-ups and imaging tests. It’s essential to go to all of your appointments. Your provider will monitor your condition and recommend treatment at appropriate times.
Questions you may want to ask to learn more about your condition include:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Hearing you have a heart condition can stop you in your tracks. But as you learn more about your condition and get treatment, you’ll soon be moving forward again.
Mitral valve regurgitation affects everyone a little differently, and your healthcare provider will tailor treatment to your needs. Don’t hesitate to share your questions and concerns with your provider. They’ll help you understand more about the inner workings of your heart. They’ll also recommend treatments and lifestyle changes that can help you feel better and have the best possible quality of life.
Last reviewed on 07/22/2024.
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