Is severe mitral valve regurgitation serious?

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Mitral valve regurgitation can be mild, moderate, or severe, with severe mitral valve regurgitation being the most serious. Over time, severe mitral valve regurgitation can cause enlargement of the heart and a decreased heart pumping function, eventually leading to symptoms of heart failure. Patients may experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms. Additionally, there may be swelling in both lower limbs. When such symptoms occur, it is necessary to take diuretic medications under the guidance of a doctor to reduce heart strain, such as furosemide or spironolactone. If necessary, digoxin may be taken to strengthen the heart and improve symptoms of heart failure. After stabilization, a mitral valve replacement or repair surgery may be scheduled.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Why does mitral stenosis cause enlargement of the left atrium?

Because mitral stenosis can lead to changes in the mitral valve, particularly causing excessive pressure in the left ventricle, this excessive pressure can lead to enlargement of the left atrium, which are complementary conditions. During this period, it is still important to actively manage the condition, using medication treatment. If the area of stenosis is relatively large, surgical treatment is needed, as balloon dilation can currently be used to alleviate this condition. Early treatment is best to relieve clinical symptoms. At the same time, it is also important to actively monitor changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse, so as to control the heart rate and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Mitral stenosis which ventricle hypertrophy

Patients with mitral stenosis need to pass the blood from the atrium to the heart through the mitral valve during cardiac diastole. The narrowing condition in patients with mitral stenosis leads to an accelerated and prolonged flow of blood from the atrium to the ventricle. As a result, atrial pressure increases, and this heightened atrial pressure can cause pulmonary congestion. In severe cases, it leads to pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension, in turn, can cause enlargement of the right ventricle and tricuspid regurgitation, which can lead to the patient exhibiting cyanosis. Therefore, in patients with mitral stenosis, the atrium gradually enlarges in the early stages, and later stages may present with right ventricular hypertrophy.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Mild to moderate mitral stenosis, how long?

If the patient has mitral stenosis which is mild and progressing to moderate, it will take a year or even longer. Because if mild cases are aggressively managed with medication, it can slow the further progression of the disease. Mitral stenosis is a type of rheumatic heart disease or heart valve disease, mainly causing symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, with severe cases also presenting with swelling of the lower limbs. For mild mitral stenosis, it is necessary to have regular hospital check-ups, particularly to actively prevent upper respiratory tract infections, as sometimes these conditions can occur after catching cold, and actively controlling respiratory inflammation can improve symptoms.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can someone with mitral stenosis fly on a plane?

If the patient has a history of mitral stenosis, it is best not to fly, as flying may exacerbate the symptoms, causing situations like palpitations, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties. If the mitral stenosis is treated timely, these symptoms will subside. During this period, it is also important to monitor changes in the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse. An overly rapid heart rate can sometimes cause palpitations. It is especially important to manage the ventricular rate. The patient's diet should primarily consist of low salt, low fat, and low sugar. Regular re-examinations of the electrocardiogram and echocardiogram are necessary, and if symptoms worsen, it is critical to go to the hospital for treatment promptly.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Mitral stenosis increases the load on which ventricle?

If a patient exhibits symptoms of mitral stenosis, it primarily leads to an increased load on the left atrium and left ventricle, resulting in palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. The current treatment mainly involves symptomatic therapy, using cardiotonic and diuretic medications to improve the patient's condition. Currently, medications are used in treatment to control symptoms like palpitations and chest tightness. It is advised that the patient should undergo a cardiac echocardiography to further confirm the diagnosis. In treatment, it is still necessary to control blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse changes. If there is a rapid heart rate or increased blood pressure, these should also be actively managed to reduce the cardiac load. Dietarily, it is recommended that patients adopt a light diet, particularly eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy and irritating foods. It’s important to keep warm and avoid catching cold.