Mitral valve regurgitation

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Mitral valve regurgitation

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is the leaking or backflow of blood through the valve between the left upper heart chamber (atrium) and the left lower heart chamber (ventricle). If serious, this condition can lead to a backup of blood in the left atrium and the lungs, cause enlargement of and damage to the left ventricle, and lead to heart failure.

Mitral valve regurgitation can either be ongoing (chronic) or sudden (acute). Chronic MR develops slowly, possibly over decades, and symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the feet and ankles, may never appear. Acute MR is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment to repair or replace the mitral valve.

Treatment for MR includes medications for symptoms and eventually surgery to repair or replace the valve.

People who have mitral valve regurgitation may be at higher risk of heart valve infection (endocarditis). These people may be prescribed antibiotics before certain procedures (such as dental work) to help prevent endocarditis.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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