Key takeaways

  • Mitral valve regurgitation is a heart condition that occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium.
  • Symptoms do not always occur. When they do, they can include coughing, breathing problems, exhaustion, and more.
  • The condition can happen due to problems with the valve over time, heart problems, or infection. Doctors may only recommend surgery to treat the condition in severe cases.

Mitral valve regurgitation does not always cause symptoms. However, being aware of symptoms that may develop, as well as the possible causes, can help you to know when to contact a doctor.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of mitral valve regurgitation. This article also looks at treatment options, when to contact a doctor, and more.

You may not always experience symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation.

When symptoms do occur, they usually develop gradually, and may include:

Over time, you may experience increased shortness of breath during activity or when lying flat. You may also wake up more regularly during the night due to breathing problems.

The mitral valve is a one-way valve. This means that blood should only flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

With mitral valve regurgitation, the mitral valve does not close properly. This allows blood to flow back into the left atrium.

Possible causes of mitral valve regurgitation include:

To assist with reaching an accurate diagnosis, a doctor may begin by asking questions about symptoms and performing a physical examination.

Various tests can help diagnose mitral valve regurgitation and rule out other conditions. Doctors may recommend:

  • echocardiogram, the main test for diagnosing mitral valve regurgitation
  • electrocardiogram
  • chest radiography
  • exercise stress testing
  • cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • cardiac catheterization
  • biomarker tests

For mild mitral valve regurgitation, doctors may recommend monitoring the condition without medical treatment. However, medication for an existing heart condition may be necessary.

In more severe cases, surgery may be a suitable option for mitral valve regurgitation. Types of surgery can include:

  • valve repair, which involves modifying or repairing the existing valve to prevent leaking
  • valve replacement, which involves removing the existing valve and replacing it with a tissue or mechanical valve

A doctor can provide more information about the treatments they recommend and what they involve.

It is unlikely that mitral valve regurgitation will go away on its own.

According to Mass General Brigham, the condition worsens over time in around half of all cases, though symptoms may improve for some people.

If mitral valve regurgitation worsens and you do not receive proper treatment, various complications can develop.

Examples include:

Speaking with a doctor as soon as you have concerns about mitral valve regurgitation may help to reduce the likelihood of complications.

Contact a doctor as soon as you experience symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation. There are numerous possible causes for symptoms such as breathing problems and coughing, so the doctor will need to order tests to help confirm the diagnosis.

You can also contact a doctor if you have a mitral valve regurgitation diagnosis and have concerns about worsening symptoms or the development or complications.

Your doctor can advise on how frequently they recommend checkups to monitor the condition. They will also likely refer you to a cardiologist, a doctor specializing in heart conditions.

Mitral valve regurgitation is a heart condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow back into the left atrium. It can cause symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems, and exhaustion.

The condition can develop as a result of mitral valve prolapse, endocarditis, or other problems with the heart.

Doctors may recommend monitoring and anticoagulants for mild mitral valve regurgitation. For severe cases, valve repair or replacement surgery may be suitable.

Speak with a doctor as soon as there are concerns about symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation. They may order tests such as an echocardiogram to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.