Failure of the mitral valve to close, allowing a reflux of blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the left atrium. It most often results from scarring of the mitral valve by rheumatic fever, but it can also develop as a complication of myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathies. It may occur as a congenital defect. Its manifestations include breathlessness, atrial ‘fibrillation, embolism, enlargement of the left ventricle, and a systolic ‘murmur. Mild cases are symptomless and require no treatment, but in severe cases the affected valve is replaced with an artificial one (mitral prosthesis).
A defect in the mitral valve of the heart which allows blood to leak from the left ventricle into the left atrium. It is also known as mitral regurgitation; incompetence may occur along with mitral stenosis. The left ventricle has to work harder to compensate for the faulty valve; it enlarges, but eventually the ventricle cannot cope with the extra load and left-sided heart failure may develop. A common cause of mitral incompetence is rheumatic fever or damage following a heart attack. The condition is treated with drugs to help the heart, but in severe cases heart surgery may be required.
The inadequacy of the mitral valve within the heart to seal effectively, leading to the backflow of blood into the left atrium (upper chamber) subsequent to being pumped out of the left ventricle (lower chamber). This condition, recognized as mitral regurgitation, can sometimes coincide with mitral stenosis, a constriction of the valve.
Indications encompass escalating breathlessness and fatigue, occasionally accompanied by palpitations. As heart failure progresses, there might be swelling in the ankles.
Diagnosis can be established through the identification of a distinctive heart murmur, as well as through X-rays, ECG, and echocardiography. Additionally, catheterization can be employed to examine the interior of the heart.
Therapeutic measures might encompass the administration of diuretic medications, ACE inhibitor medications, and anticoagulant medications. In cases where symptoms are incapacitating, the possibility of heart valve surgery could be contemplated.
Individuals with mitral valve insufficiency are administered antibiotic medications prior to dental or other surgical procedures in order to prevent endocarditis.