Mitral valve regurgitation — the most common form of heart valve disease — refers to complications affecting one of the valves (mitral) that control blood flow between the chambers of your heart. Every time your heart beats, the mitral valve opens, allowing blood to pass from your upper-left heart chamber (atrium) to your lower-left heart chamber (ventricle). Your valve then closes to keep blood flow moving forward. Regurgitation occurs when blood leaks back through the mitral valve and into the atrium. This can increase pressure in your heart and blood vessels, causing arrhythmias as well as reducing blood flow to the rest of your body. Without proper treatment from a heart and vascular expert, mitral valve regurgitation can lead to such life-threatening conditions as stroke or cardiac arrest.
Speak with an expert about mitral valve regurgitation.
Signs and Symptoms
Although mild cases of mitral valve regurgitation might not present noticeable symptoms, advanced cases of the condition commonly cause the following symptoms.
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fever
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Shortness of breath when lying down
- Swollen ankles and feet
How We Diagnose Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Among the procedures used to diagnose mitral valve regurgitation are the following.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): Electrical pulses generated by your heart are measured and evaluated to determine if any anomalies or unusual conditions are present.
- Echocardiogram: Sound waves are directed to your heart through a device held up to your chest, causing a pattern that allows the physician to determine if the valves and other parts of the heart are operating properly.
- Holter Monitoring: A small device that must be worn over the chest, the Holter monitor records your heart’s electrical activity for a period of 24 hours or more.
- Stress Test: Heart signals and blood pressure are monitored while you walk on a treadmill. Afterwards, photos may be taken of your heart while you are resting.
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): Performed after an imaging tube is passed through your throat and esophagus, this procedure provides the most accurate view of your heart.
- Cardiac Catheterization: A liquid dye is injected through a narrow tube (catheter) into an artery leading to the heart, allowing short videos and photos to be taken.
- Chest X-ray: A common medical imaging procedure, X-rays use radiation to capture colorless images of your bones, joints and soft tissue.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A combination of a magnetic field and radio waves creates three-dimensional images of specific areas of your body.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Certified experts use computer-processed X-rays to generate a scan of your body in “slices” to create highly accurate images.
Learn more about diagnostic procedures at Bayhealth.
Treatment Options
Treatment of mitral valve regurgitation depends on several factors, including your medical
history and the severity of your condition. While some cases can be managed using
medications, one or more of the following procedures may be necessary.
- Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR): A narrow tube (catheter) is inserted into one of your blood vessels and directed toward your heart using advanced imaging technology. Our experts then locate the damaged mitral valve inside your heart and install the new valve. Learn more about TMVR.
- MitraClip: A small device used to stop the mitral valve from leaking, the MitraClip is installed in your heart through a minimally invasive procedure called Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER). This innovative procedure provides a safer alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. Learn more about MitraClip.
- Mitral Valve Repair: The preferred option if your valve leaflets are still functional, this procedure repairs or replaces the damaged valve components.
- Mitral Valve Replacement: If your valve is severely damaged and cannot be repaired, our experts remove it and implant an artificial or biological valve.
Our heart and vascular experts will discuss which option is best for your specific case. Explore more procedures provided by the heart and vascular team at Bayhealth.