Mitral valve regurgitation: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is mitral valve regurgitation?

Mitral valve regurgitation is the process of leaking blood back into the atria (atrium). The mitral valve of the heart is the valve / valve that separates the chambers of the heart, called the atrium / left atrium and the left ventricle / ventricle. These valves open when the porch pumps blood into the chambers and closes as the chambers spread blood throughout the body. Closing the valve will prevent blood from returning to the porch.

This process of leaking blood back into the atrium is often referred to as regurgitation (leakage of the mitral valve). Blood is not pumped out of the heart properly, and the atrium cannot fill when the cleansing cycle occurs. Blood can return to the system to the right of the heart and lungs, causing the lungs to fill with fluid. Then the left ventricle of the heart is pushed to work extra to supply enough blood to the body. This can eventually lead to heart failure.

Symptoms of mitral regurgitation, causes of mitral regurgitation, and drugs for mitral regurgitation, are described in more detail below.

How common is mitral valve regurgitation?

Mitral valve regurgitation is a condition that can be experienced by anyone of any age or gender. However, in many cases, this heart valve leak is usually diagnosed only in middle age and the elderly. You can reduce your chances of getting this disease if you avoid risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation?

Some people may not show any symptoms. As a result, a person can live for years without knowing that they actually have the disease. In many cases, new symptoms and complaints will appear after several years, which include:

Fatigue and shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially when you are doing strenuous activity or when you lie down
Blood flows irregularly in your heart (additional sounds / heart murmurs)
The heart is pounding with a fast and strong sensation
Sweating feet or elbows

In addition, there are also some characteristics and symptoms that are not mentioned above. If you have the same complaint, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if you have any side effects or symptoms that get worse, such as:

There was a strange sound from deep inside the heart
Pain in the chest that occurs quite often
Difficulty breathing when resting
Fatigue
Heart palpitations, namely the sensation of a fast and tiring heartbeat
Swollen feet or ankles

Cause

What causes mitral valve regurgitation?

The cause of mitral valve regurgitation is damage to the mitral valve. Damage can occur due to a congenital abnormality (from birth) or a heart attack.

Other causes of mitral valve regurgity include:

Infections, such as rheumatic fever (from a streptococcal throat infection) or endocarditis
Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan's syndrome
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
Trauma such as chest trauma due to traffic accidents
Use of drugs such as Ergotamine

Risk factors

What increases my risk for mitral regurgitation?

Some of the factors that can affect mitral valve regurgitation are:

A heart attack can damage your heart and interfere with mitral valve function
Certain heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease
Taking certain drugs, such as drugs containing ergotamine (cafergot, migergot), the same drugs to treat migraines, pergolide, cebergoline, appetite enhancer fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine
Infections such as endocarditis or rheumatic fever
Congenital heart disease
In middle-aged people, many people have mitral valve regurgitation which is caused by the natural movement of the valve itself

The absence of risk does not mean you are free from the possibility of experiencing this heart disorder. The characteristics and symptoms listed are for reference only. You need to consult a doctor for more information.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for mitral valve regurgitation?

In mild conditions, medication is usually used to prevent complications. Surgical management by replacing or repairing the mitral valve is performed only when the regurgitation condition worsens, and if medication does not manage to control symptoms.

What are the usual tests for mitral valve regurgitation?

The doctor can make the diagnosis by listening to the sound of the heart beating using a stethoscope. Blood usually flows abnormally through the mitral valve and produces a sound like a murmur. Your doctor may also ask you to do a sonography of the heart (echocardiography), a heart X-ray, and an EKG (electrocardiography) to confirm the diagnosis.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat mitral valve regurgitation?

Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with mitral valve regurgitation are:

Do routine medical check-ups to monitor the progress of your disease and health conditions
Always follow the advice given by the doctor, including regarding taking medication
Reduce the consumption of excess fluids and salt in your diet if you have symptoms of heart failure. Consult with your doctor about the amount of fluids that can be consumed per day according to your condition.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.