How does mitral valve insufficiency lead to heart failure?

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Mitral valve regurgitation can easily lead to heart failure, especially left heart failure. This is because, when there is moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, the left ventricle contracts, and a large amount of blood in the left ventricle flows back into the left atrium. When the ventricle relaxes and fills again, the volume of blood in the left ventricle significantly increases, leading to an overload in the capacity of the left ventricle. Over time, this causes left ventricular hypertrophy, a decline in the heart's pumping function, and thus, heart failure occurs. In terms of symptoms, it presents as exertional dyspnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, among other symptoms. When these symptoms occur, it is necessary to go to the hospital for proper examination and treatment, and to take diuretic medications under the guidance of a doctor to improve the symptoms.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Does mitral valve insufficiency affect heart rate?

In order to maintain the vital signs of the human body, the heart must have a fixed cardiac output to ensure the blood supply and nourishment of the body, therefore the cardiac output is definite as per the body's needs. When there is severe mitral valve regurgitation, it causes a decrease in the stroke volume. As a compensation, while the stroke volume decreases, in order to ensure the body's blood supply and nourishment, the heart accelerates its beating to maintain the supply of output. Therefore, patients with mitral valve regurgitation often experience symptoms of tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, and palpitations after exercising. This means that our heart rate after exercise will be faster than in people without mitral valve regurgitation, thus mitral valve regurgitation affects the heart rate.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Will mild mitral valve insufficiency become more severe?

If the patient has a history of mitral valve insufficiency, and if it is not treated timely, the condition will worsen. If the patient develops heart failure, sometimes it is necessary to actively correct the heart failure, because the most serious complication of this disease is heart failure, which is quite severe. Once the patient's heart function changes, especially if the ejection fraction decreases, it can lead to ischemic and hypoxic changes in the patient. In terms of treatment, it is also important to monitor the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse changes, while actively controlling the heart rate.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is mitral valve regurgitation due to incomplete closure congenital?

If the patient has a history of mitral valve insufficiency accompanied by regurgitation, it may indicate congenital heart disease, but it does not rule out rheumatic heart disease caused by other illnesses. Because of this, it may indeed be a type of congenital heart disease, and some surgical treatments can be used, which are relatively safe. During this period, it is still necessary to actively monitor changes in the patient's blood pressure, pulse, and heart rate. If there is an increase in blood pressure or an overly rapid heart rate, it needs to be actively managed. Early intervention and treatment can alleviate the current condition of the patient. Based on this situation, it is recommended to just perform a cardiac echocardiogram.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is mild mitral valve regurgitation a serious condition?

If the patient has a history of mitral valve insufficiency, it is recommended that they undergo a cardiac echocardiography to further clarify the diagnosis. Simple mitral valve insufficiency can present with rumbling murmurs in the precordial area, but it may also be accompanied by palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, it is necessary to actively manage these symptoms by using positive inotropic drugs to improve the patient's cardiac function. If the patient exhibits swelling in both lower limbs, it may sometimes be necessary to use medications to manage this condition and alleviate the current symptoms. Dietary recommendations should also include a low-salt, low-fat, and low-sugar diet to help improve the symptoms.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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How to treat calcification of mitral valve regurgitation?

Mitral valve regurgitation with calcification indicates the onset of calcification in this condition, though this alone does not necessarily indicate a problem. However, mitral valve regurgitation should still be actively treated. Early or mild cases can lead to pathological changes in the heart, particularly when there is excess pressure on the mitral valve, left ventricle, or left atrium. This may cause symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, medications to dilate blood vessels, strengthen the heart, and promote urination may be necessary to reduce cardiac load and improve symptoms.