How does mitral valve insufficiency lead to heart failure?

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Mitral valve regurgitation can easily lead to heart failure, especially left heart failure. This is because, when there is moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, the left ventricle contracts, and a large amount of blood in the left ventricle flows back into the left atrium. When the ventricle relaxes and fills again, the volume of blood in the left ventricle significantly increases, leading to an overload in the capacity of the left ventricle. Over time, this causes left ventricular hypertrophy, a decline in the heart's pumping function, and thus, heart failure occurs. In terms of symptoms, it presents as exertional dyspnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, among other symptoms. When these symptoms occur, it is necessary to go to the hospital for proper examination and treatment, and to take diuretic medications under the guidance of a doctor to improve the symptoms.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Can mitral valve insufficiency be treated without valve replacement?

Mitral valve regurgitation is classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories. Generally speaking, patients with mild and some moderate regurgitation may not exhibit symptoms. However, a small proportion of patients with moderate or severe regurgitation might experience symptoms such as tightness after activity and difficulty breathing. If these conditions recur, there may be an indication for surgical intervention. Therefore, for patients with moderate to severe symptoms, or those with significant enlargement of the heart, it is recommended to consider surgery at an early stage. If patients with mild or some moderate mitral valve regurgitation are asymptomatic and do not show significant enlargement of the heart structure, medical treatment or observation without valve replacement can be considered.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is mild mitral valve regurgitation a serious condition?

If the patient has a history of mitral valve insufficiency, it is recommended that they undergo a cardiac echocardiography to further clarify the diagnosis. Simple mitral valve insufficiency can present with rumbling murmurs in the precordial area, but it may also be accompanied by palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, it is necessary to actively manage these symptoms by using positive inotropic drugs to improve the patient's cardiac function. If the patient exhibits swelling in both lower limbs, it may sometimes be necessary to use medications to manage this condition and alleviate the current symptoms. Dietary recommendations should also include a low-salt, low-fat, and low-sugar diet to help improve the symptoms.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Mitral valve insufficiency can easily cause what kind of failure?

The most severe complication of mitral valve insufficiency is the occurrence of left-sided heart failure, or left and right heart failure, eventually leading to total heart failure. Since the mitral valve is a type of rheumatic heart disease and also a cardiac valve disorder, cardiac function is abnormal at this time. If this condition is not treated promptly, it will further lead to a decline in cardiac function, causing the occurrence of heart rate failure. Patients mainly exhibit symptoms of ischemia and hypoxia, as well as edema in both lower limbs and some situations of water and sodium retention. It is necessary to actively use cardiotonic diuretics to improve the patient's cardiac function.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can mitral valve regurgitation be detected by imaging?

Mitral stenosis is a type of heart valve disease. It may be congenital heart disease or rheumatic heart disease, depending on individual differences. It is recommended that patients go to the hospital for a cardiac ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis, as X-rays cannot differentiate between mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis. This condition requires a cardiac ultrasound for diagnosis. If patients experience symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing during this period, these issues need to be actively managed. Generally, positive inotropic agents are used to alleviate the current condition of the patient and achieve relief, while also ensuring regular follow-up visits at the hospital.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can mitral valve insufficiency run?

Patients with mitral valve stenosis and insufficiency are advised not to run, as running is an aerobic exercise that increases heart rate. This can lead to symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, which are indicative of the heart needing more oxygen supply. Moreover, running increases the heart rate, which in turn increases the myocardial oxygen consumption and is detrimental to health. Particularly, running with mitral valve insufficiency is very dangerous. It is recommended to rest primarily and avoid participating in sports, especially running, for the health of the patient.