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 Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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What to do about chronic cough due to mitral valve insufficiency?

If the patient exhibits mitral regurgitation, this condition falls under cardiac valvular diseases. If the patient frequently experiences coughing and expectorating phlegm, it indicates a certain level of inflammatory infection. It is recommended for the patient to undergo a chest CT scan for an effective confirmation of the cause, which will then determine the treatment plan. For simple mitral stenosis, symptomatic treatment is currently the primary approach, using medications to address heart failure or ischemia and hypoxia. Early treatment is advised to alleviate the current state of ischemia and hypoxia. Persistent coughing and expectorating phlegm indicate inflammation, necessitating the use of antibiotics.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can mitral valve regurgitation be detected by imaging?

Mitral stenosis is a type of heart valve disease. It may be congenital heart disease or rheumatic heart disease, depending on individual differences. It is recommended that patients go to the hospital for a cardiac ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis, as X-rays cannot differentiate between mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis. This condition requires a cardiac ultrasound for diagnosis. If patients experience symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing during this period, these issues need to be actively managed. Generally, positive inotropic agents are used to alleviate the current condition of the patient and achieve relief, while also ensuring regular follow-up visits at the hospital.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Can mitral valve insufficiency be treated without valve replacement?

Mitral valve regurgitation is classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories. Generally speaking, patients with mild and some moderate regurgitation may not exhibit symptoms. However, a small proportion of patients with moderate or severe regurgitation might experience symptoms such as tightness after activity and difficulty breathing. If these conditions recur, there may be an indication for surgical intervention. Therefore, for patients with moderate to severe symptoms, or those with significant enlargement of the heart, it is recommended to consider surgery at an early stage. If patients with mild or some moderate mitral valve regurgitation are asymptomatic and do not show significant enlargement of the heart structure, medical treatment or observation without valve replacement can be considered.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Why does mitral valve insufficiency cause left ventricular hypertrophy?

The mitral valve is an important structure within the left ventricular system; it serves as the necessary channel for blood from the left atrium to enter the left ventricle. Normally, this channel allows for unidirectional flow. However, when mitral valve insufficiency occurs, blood flows back from the left ventricle to the left atrium. This leads to an increase in cardiac work, reduces the efficiency of the heart’s function, and causes hypertrophy due to overuse of the left ventricle. When the mitral valve closes to a certain extent, it can lead to an enlargement of the left ventricle. This is why mitral valve insufficiency can cause enlargement of the left ventricle, primarily because it increases ineffective work, leading to an increased cardiac load.

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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.