Why does mitral valve insufficiency cause left ventricular hypertrophy?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on February 21, 2025
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The mitral valve is an important structure within the left ventricular system; it serves as the necessary channel for blood from the left atrium to enter the left ventricle. Normally, this channel allows for unidirectional flow. However, when mitral valve insufficiency occurs, blood flows back from the left ventricle to the left atrium. This leads to an increase in cardiac work, reduces the efficiency of the heart’s function, and causes hypertrophy due to overuse of the left ventricle. When the mitral valve closes to a certain extent, it can lead to an enlargement of the left ventricle. This is why mitral valve insufficiency can cause enlargement of the left ventricle, primarily because it increases ineffective work, leading to an increased cardiac load.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation serious?

If the patient has a history of mitral valve insufficiency, especially in moderate cases, it is considered quite severe. The current treatment mainly focuses on symptomatic treatment to improve the patient's cardiopulmonary function. If the patient experiences palpitations, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing, sometimes intravenous therapy is required to alleviate the current condition. Because for congenital heart disease or rheumatic heart disease, the treatment primarily involves strengthening the heart, diuresis, vasodilation, symptomatic treatment, and management. If not treated and managed promptly, the disease could worsen, and the patient may also develop swelling in both lower limbs.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Why does mitral valve insufficiency cause regurgitation?

Mitral valve regurgitation can cause backflow, as it is a type of rheumatic heart disease. Currently, treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic relief and improving the patient’s cardiopulmonary function. During this period, it is still important to actively monitor the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse changes. If there is a rapid heart rate or increased blood pressure, these conditions need active intervention to alleviate the patient’s state of ischemia and hypoxia. If there is significant regurgitation, it may lead to a state of hypoxia. During this period, it is still important to actively monitor the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse. Regular follow-up with cardiac echocardiography is adequate, and it is also necessary to actively prevent upper respiratory infections.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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How to treat calcification of mitral valve regurgitation?

Mitral valve regurgitation with calcification indicates the onset of calcification in this condition, though this alone does not necessarily indicate a problem. However, mitral valve regurgitation should still be actively treated. Early or mild cases can lead to pathological changes in the heart, particularly when there is excess pressure on the mitral valve, left ventricle, or left atrium. This may cause symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, medications to dilate blood vessels, strengthen the heart, and promote urination may be necessary to reduce cardiac load and improve symptoms.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Why does mitral regurgitation decrease during inspiration?

If the patient has a history of mitral valve regurgitation, this condition can lead to changes in heart function, particularly symptoms like palpitations and difficulty breathing. If the symptoms decrease during inhalation, this might be caused by abnormally low pressure in the left ventricle or left atrium. Since this is a pathological change, it is currently recommended that the patient actively use medication and control changes in heart function. If the condition worsens, sometimes surgical treatment is advised as it can also serve a therapeutic purpose.

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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.