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Mitral Regurgitation (MR)

Mitral regurgitation refers to the leakage of mitral valve, which is a heart valve that controls blood flow between left atrium and left ventricle (see picture).




The main causes of mitral regurgitation (MR) are mitral valve prolapse and rheumatic heart disease. Dilated heart chambers resulting from heart attacks also cause MR.

In principle, corrective surgery should be performed before left ventricular (LV) chamber becomes dysfunctional and fails. Patients usually do not recover well after surgery if the contractile power of left chamber (LVEF) is < 40 percent before surgery. Therefore, doctors may recommend periodical echocardiography to assess left ventricular chamber and determine the need and timing of surgery.

If surgery is not indicated, many patients may benefits from several heart medications, especially hydralazine.

MR is often associated with atrial fibrillation, an irregularly irregular hear rhythm, which can result in formation of blood clots. Doctors may recommend conversion to normal heart rhythm or blood thinners to prevent risk of stroke.

According to 2007 guidelines by American Heart Association, patients with MR may not need antibiotic prophylaxis before dental or surgical procedures. However, those patients with artificial mitral valve still need antibiotic prophylaxis.

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Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome

Mitral valve prolapse syndrome (MVPS) refers to a group of symptoms:

• Palpitations



• Anxiety



• Hyperventilation, i.e. rapid breathing



• Chest pain



• Easy fatigue



• Numbness



• Dizziness
  

It is interesting to know that these symptoms may occur both in patients with MVP and in those without it.

To alleviate these symptoms, you should:

• avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol



• avoid fatigue



• reduce stress



• do aerobic exercise 3 times a week for 12 weeks

It is important that you change your lifestyle little by little and consistenly. Give yourself several weeks. Get positive feedbacks and encouragement from spouses, friends, or support groups.

Taking appropriate supplements or medications can help. MVP patients with low serum magnesium may benefit from taking magnesium supplements for 5 weeks. Those with anxiety, panic attack, or depression should consult their physicians for appropriate treatments.

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