Mitral Regurgitation Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Mitral insufficiency or mitral regurgitation is a condition when there is an abnormal backflow of blood from the left ventricle (chamber) to the left atrium of the heart. This is caused by a disturbance in the mitral valve which should close.
Under normal conditions, clean, oxygen-rich blood flows from the left atrium of the heart to the left ventricle of the heart. After that, clean blood is pumped from the left ventricle of the heart to the aorta and circulated throughout the body.
Mitral insufficiency causes a lack of clean blood that can be pumped throughout the body. As a result, the heart works harder to make up for the deficiency. If this continues for a long time, the heart can enlarge and then the risk of heart failure arises.
Mitral insufficiency can also cause fluid accumulation in the lungs. In severe cases, it can cause blood clots to form. This condition can be fatal if blood clots flow and block the lungs or brain.
Symptom
Mild cases of mitral insufficiency usually cause no symptoms. However, the more severe the condition of mitral insufficiency, the more symptoms such as:
- palpitations or heart palpitations
- coughs
- body feels weak
- hard to breathe
- fast breathing rhythm
- chest pain
Reason
Various problems can be the cause of impaired function of the heart’s mitral valve. Among them, quite a lot is found due to congenital abnormalities from birth.
This condition can also be caused by mitral valve prolapse or possible mitral valve leakage; the presence of rheumatic heart disease, infective endocarditis (infection of the heart by bacterial or fungal microbes); calcification (calcium buildup in body tissues); cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disorder), and ischemic heart disease.
Diagnosis
Usually, cases of mitral insufficiency can be known from the physical examination. Valve abnormalities that have caused quite a lot of interference with the return flow of blood can trigger a murmur (noise) on a heart examination by a doctor.
Investigations, for example with an echocardiogram, are usually needed to confirm heart abnormalities. This examination uses sound waves to describe heart conditions such as ultrasound examinations in pregnant women. Other supporting examinations such as CT- scans and MRI can also be done.
Treatment
Treatment is generally not needed in mild cases of mitral insufficiency. However, patients with this condition still need routine checks to monitor their mitral valve.
In cases that are more severe and cause complications, sufferers must undergo treatment. Treatment of cases of severe mitral insufficiency is by surgery.
The drugs given are only to help relieve symptoms. Diuretic drugs can be used to reduce fluid accumulation. Blood thinners will also be given to reduce the risk of blood clots forming.
Prevention
Mitral insufficiency due to causes of endocarditis can be avoided by preventing the potential for this infection to occur. Some things that can be done are to increase endurance and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
In mild cases, regular heart checks can prevent heart valve disease and its complications from getting worse. The same goes for routine health check-ups. Health checks can help detect heart problems as early as possible, so you can get the best treatment earlier.