Mitral valve regurgitation

Need to know

• Waht are the symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation? icon plus

  Early symptoms might include:

  • dizziness
  • tiredness / fatigue
  • breathlessness
  • chest pain

  If left untreated, you may experience the following:

  • atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
  • pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels supporting the lungs)
  • heart failure (the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body)

• Diagnosing mitral valve regurgitation icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. Tests we offer to diagnose include:

  • chest X-ray
  • electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart's electrical activity and heartbeat
  • echocardiogram to assess any issues on the inside of the heart

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your treatment options and help to determine the best approach for you.

  These may include:

  • medications to control the symptoms
  • ongoing medication to ensure the regurgitation is not getting any worse

  In some cases, surgical treatment (mitral valve repair or replacement) is needed. There are also some newer techniques emerging which involve the repair or replacement of the valve in the cardiac catheter lab.