Mitral Valve Regurgitation
At the Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, you can access exceptional care for mitral valve regurgitation. As a global leader in cardiovascular medicine and surgery, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for high-risk and complex cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront in treating heart disease.
Ranked in the top one percent of all hospitals in the nation for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery according to U.S. News & World Report, our specialists are passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes. Backed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the treatment of heart disease. In recent years, we have expanded our programs in advanced cardiac imaging, heart failure and interventional cardiovascular medicine and assembled a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgical team.
When you trust us with your care, you can expect compassionate, personalized treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full choice of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies.
When you need care for mitral valve regurgitation, turn to our dedicated providers who will develop a highly personalized treatment plan specific to you.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.
What is mitral valve regurgitation?
Mitral valve regurgitation is a problem that happens when the mitral valve does not close tightly enough. The closed valve lets blood leak (regurgitate) from the lower chamber of the heart back into the upper chamber. Your heart has to work harder to pump this extra blood.
Primary mitral regurgitation happens when there is a problem with the shape of the valve. The shape is not normal.
Secondary regurgitation happens when another heart problem affects the heart muscle, typically in the lower left chamber of the heart. Changes in the heart muscle cause the valve to not close tightly. The shape of the valve is typically normal.
Small leaks usually aren’t a problem. But if the leak becomes severe over time, it may lead to heart failure.
The regurgitation usually develops over time (chronic mitral regurgitation). But sometimes it happens suddenly (acute mitral regurgitation). This is an emergency.
What causes it?
Primary mitral valve regurgitation may be caused by problems like mitral valve prolapse or calcium buildup on the mitral valve. Secondary regurgitation may be caused by coronary artery disease or heart failure. Acute regurgitation is caused by a problem that happens all of a sudden, such as a heart attack.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of chronic mitral valve regurgitation may take decades to appear. They include being tired or short of breath when you’re active. A heart murmur might be the first sign your doctor notices. Acute mitral regurgitation happens suddenly and is an emergency. Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and weakness, and chest pain.
How is it diagnosed?
When your doctor suspects that you have mitral valve regurgitation, you will be asked about your past health and have a physical exam. To diagnose the problem and check your heart, you’ll likely have an echocardiogram. You may have other tests to help your doctor see how well your heart is working.
How is mitral valve regurgitation treated?
For chronic mitral regurgitation, you may take medicines to treat problems caused by the regurgitation or to treat a heart problem that is causing it. Your doctor will check your heart regularly. You may choose to repair or replace the valve. For acute regurgitation, you likely need valve repair or replacement right away.