B. Mitral Insufficiency/Regurgitation

The mitral valvular can not close properly during ventricular contraction or systole, causing backward flow of blood during systole. This backward flow can cause heart failure. Or we can say, valvular mitral valve regurgitation is occurs as the result of inadequate closure of the mitral valve, allowing regurgitant flow back into the left atrium during each left ventricular systole.




Causes of Valvular Mitral Insufficiency/Regurgitation


1. Infective endocarditis or rheumatic heart disease causes inflammation and damages the valve.
2. Coronary artery disease: ischemia and/or necrosis of the heart muscle can cause damage to the supporting structures of the mitral valve, impeding proper closure of the valve.
3. Aging: over time, degenerative changes can weaken the valve.
4. Cardiomyopathy
5. Left Ventricle dilatation,etc.





Signs and Symptoms Mitral valve Regurgitation


Patient with in acute mitral regurgitation, symptoms progress rapidly. Symptoms are like left ventricular failure. The patient is usually tachycardic to compensate for the reduced forward stroke volume. Patients are dyspneic secondary to pulmonary congestion and edema.

During the compensatory phase of chronic mitral regurgitation, patients may be relatively asymptomatic for years.

Fatigue and weakness, Pansystolic murmur, Palpitations, Angina





Diagnostic Test for Valvular Mitral Regurgitation

1. Auscultation and Holter monitor for 24 hours: may show arrhythmia.

2. Transthoracic echocardiography can identify the structural cause of the mitral regurgitation as well as gauge left atrial size.

3. Other s please see diagnostic test for mitral stenosis.






Treatment

1. Anticoagulants: to prevent blood clots.
2. ACE inhibitors: to treat mild heart failure.
3. Valvuloplasty: to repairs the faulty valve
4. Valve replacement: with a prosthetic valve