Why does the pulse pressure increase with mitral valve insufficiency?

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Mitral valve regurgitation leading to an increased pulse pressure difference is a very common phenomenon, which is related to the condition of mitral valve regurgitation itself. This is because when the left ventricle is in systole, the incomplete closure of the mitral valve causes the blood in the left ventricle to flow back into the left atrium, significantly increasing the volume of blood in the left atrium. When the ventricle is in the diastolic filling phase, a large amount of blood from the left atrium enters the left ventricle. At the same time, the left ventricle receives blood from the left atrium as well as the blood remaining from the systolic phase of the ventricle, resulting in a significant increase in the volume of blood the ventricle pumps. This leads to a notable rise in systolic pressure, thereby increasing the pulse pressure difference.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can you drink alcohol with mitral valve insufficiency?

If the patient has a history of mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation, they should avoid alcohol as it can lead to a series of side effects, especially symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, and difficulty breathing. If drinking alcohol results in elevated blood pressure, it requires proactive management, especially for those with heart valve diseases. It is advised that patients focus on a diet rich in high-quality protein and low in salt, fat, and sodium. Regular echocardiographic check-ups are also essential. If the patient has no special complications, active treatment is needed, which usually involves using medications to improve cardiac function.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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What to do about chronic cough due to mitral valve insufficiency?

If the patient exhibits mitral regurgitation, this condition falls under cardiac valvular diseases. If the patient frequently experiences coughing and expectorating phlegm, it indicates a certain level of inflammatory infection. It is recommended for the patient to undergo a chest CT scan for an effective confirmation of the cause, which will then determine the treatment plan. For simple mitral stenosis, symptomatic treatment is currently the primary approach, using medications to address heart failure or ischemia and hypoxia. Early treatment is advised to alleviate the current state of ischemia and hypoxia. Persistent coughing and expectorating phlegm indicate inflammation, necessitating the use of antibiotics.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Can mitral valve insufficiency cause angina?

Angina is caused by severe ischemia of the coronary arteries, leading to abnormal myocardial metabolism, which results in cardiac angina. Some people may also experience chest tightness, a burning sensation in the precordial area, or various other discomforts. Mitral valve regurgitation can reduce the effectiveness of ventricular ejection. Most cases of mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation do not cause angina. However, severe mitral valve regurgitation, which causes most of the heart’s blood to flow back into the left atrium during contraction, can lead to reduced aortic blood supply. Once the reduction in aortic blood supply reaches a certain level, it may cause symptoms of angina. This is relatively rare, as most cases of mitral valve regurgitation typically present symptoms of cardiac failure such as breathlessness, difficulty breathing, and orthopnea.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Why does mitral valve insufficiency cause left heart failure?

Mitral valve insufficiency can lead to left heart failure, as it may cause excessive pressure in the left atrium and ventricle, leading to left heart failure. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as coughing up pink frothy sputum, feeling of heart palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. This situation leads to an increased afterload on the heart, causing a series of symptoms. Therefore, mitral valve insufficiency can result in left heart failure, especially noticeable during the night with orthopnea and coughing up pink frothy sputum, which are typical clinical manifestations of left heart failure. The current treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic management, using medications such as cardiac glycosides and diuretics to improve symptoms. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Is mild mitral valve regurgitation serious?

Mild mitral valve regurgitation, as the name implies, is mild and not severe. From a medical perspective, most cases of mild mitral valve regurgitation are normal physiological phenomena in the human body, which do not cause symptoms, do not affect health, and do not require treatment. Therefore, there is no need to overly worry about this condition in daily life. Of course, maintaining good lifestyle habits is necessary, such as exercising regularly with activities like running and practicing yoga, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, ensuring good sleep, and keeping a pleasant mood. Regarding diet, eat less spicy and greasy food and consume more vegetables and fruits. Good lifestyle habits can effectively prevent the worsening of mitral valve regurgitation.