MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary depending on the illness. Among them:

• Breathlessness
• Unusual heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Foot or ankle swelling

However, it’s also possible to go years without symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS

It is likely that your doctor may ask about your medical history, as well as whether or not you have a family history of heart disease.

 In addition, your doctor will do physical examinations, such as:

• Echocardiogram. The echocardiogram is one of the most common tests used to detect mitral valve regurgitation. 
• Catheterization of the heart. It is necessary to thread a tiny tube (catheter) into a blood artery in your arm to get a comprehensive image of your heart arteries and how your heart works. 
• X-ray of the chest. Using this information, your doctor can assess if your left atrium or left ventricle has become enlarged, as well as the health of your lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). Using wires connected to adhesive pads on the surface of your skin, electrical impulses may be measured and used to identify enlarged chambers of the heart, heart illness, and irregular cardiac rhythms.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A cardiac MRI is a procedure that utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to produce precise pictures of your heart to assess the severity of your illness.
• CTA (cardiac computed tomography): A CT angiography of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis may be done to evaluate if you are a candidate for robotic mitral valve repair.
• Exercise testing and stress tests are both types of stress tests. Exercising under different conditions may help you determine your activity tolerance and track your heart’s reaction to physical effort.

TREATMENT

Treatment for mitral valve regurgitation is determined by the severity of your disease, whether or not you are having signs and symptoms, and whether or not your condition is becoming worse. Therapy aims to enhance the function of your heart while also reducing your signs and symptoms and preventing future problems from developing.