Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Ongoing Concerns

Chronic mitral valve regurgitation (MR) develops slowly, and most people go years without experiencing any symptoms. Before symptoms develop, your condition may not be serious and you generally feel good. However, even during this time, MR is doing irreversible damage to your heart. Because of this ongoing damage, your doctor may suggest surgery before you develop symptoms. Although it may be difficult to think about surgery when you feel well, not having surgery could lead to heart failure.

You will begin to experience symptoms of chronic MR when your heart begins to weaken. A variety of medications are available to treat your symptoms as MR progresses and to prevent complications.

Complications

People with mitral valve regurgitation sometimes develop serious complications including:

• Heart failure.
• Endocarditis.
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW Cynthia Tank	Last Updated: April 3, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.