Mitral Valve Regurgitation - Causes and Treatments

The heart's mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle, and is comprised of an anterior leaflet and posterior leaflet. When the mitral valve is open, it allows blood to pass from the atrium to the ventricle. When closed, it prevents blood from backing up into the atrium as the ventricle pumps blood out of the heart.

Leakage of the mitral valve is called mitral valve regurgitation and can be caused by a number of different pathologic conditions. Here are three common conditions resulting in mitral valve regurgitation:

1. Excessive leaflet tissue, which prevents the leaflets from closing normally, leading to leakage of blood through the valve.
2. Rupture of the muscles that support the leaflets, which prevent the valve from closing normally.
3. Different adaptations to chronic heart failure can cause the annulus of the mitral valve to enlarge, thereby producing leakage.

Mitral valve regurgitation can be successfully treated with surgery, and, if performed early enough, can limit progression of congestive heart failure. If you have mitral valve regurgitation, your cardiologist should discuss the various treatments available to you, including medical therapy as well as surgery.

Visit the NYCTG's website to learn more about Mitral Valve Regurgitation.