Mitral Valve Regurgitation - Symptoms

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Symptoms of chronic mitral valve regurgitation (MR) may take decades to appear. With acute MR, symptoms come on suddenly, and you are critically ill.

Chronic mitral valve regurgitation

If you have mild-to-moderate chronic mitral valve regurgitation, you may never develop symptoms. If you have moderate-to-severe disease, you may not have symptoms for decades. Depending on the severity of your mitral valve regurgitation and condition of your heart, you may not develop symptoms of heart failure for many years.

Symptoms appear as the left ventricle expands to accommodate the larger amount of blood (volume overload) flowing into the chamber. The larger the left ventricle, the more advanced the MR. Symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath with exertion, which maylater develop into shortness of breath at rest and atnight.
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Fluid buildup in the legsand feet.
  • Heart palpitations, ifatrial fibrillation develops.

Acute mitral valve regurgitation

Acute mitral valve regurgitation is an emergency. Symptoms of acute mitral valve regurgitation develop suddenly. Most people who develop acute MR are already in the hospital or emergency room because of another heart problem. Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, fast heart rate, lightheadedness, weakness, confusion, and chest pain.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: February 12, 2010
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
George Philippides, MD - Cardiology

1995-2011 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, Incorporated 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.

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