Can mitral valve insufficiency be treated without valve replacement?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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 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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Can mitral valve insufficiency run?

Patients with mitral valve stenosis and insufficiency are advised not to run, as running is an aerobic exercise that increases heart rate. This can lead to symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, which are indicative of the heart needing more oxygen supply. Moreover, running increases the heart rate, which in turn increases the myocardial oxygen consumption and is detrimental to health. Particularly, running with mitral valve insufficiency is very dangerous. It is recommended to rest primarily and avoid participating in sports, especially running, for the health of the patient.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation serious?

If the patient has a history of mitral valve insufficiency, especially in moderate cases, it is considered quite severe. The current treatment mainly focuses on symptomatic treatment to improve the patient's cardiopulmonary function. If the patient experiences palpitations, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing, sometimes intravenous therapy is required to alleviate the current condition. Because for congenital heart disease or rheumatic heart disease, the treatment primarily involves strengthening the heart, diuresis, vasodilation, symptomatic treatment, and management. If not treated and managed promptly, the disease could worsen, and the patient may also develop swelling in both lower limbs.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Will mild mitral valve regurgitation worsen?

Because mitral valve insufficiency is a type of heart valve disease and also a form of rheumatic heart disease, mild mitral valve insufficiency can be actively managed with internal medicine, thereby alleviating the patient's symptoms. However, this disease can potentially worsen, especially in cases of mild insufficiency. When cardiac function becomes impaired, it can lead to severe insufficiency. In such cases, surgical treatment is sometimes recommended for the patient. If the patient's cardiac function is actively managed, infections controlled, and regular hospital check-ups are maintained, improvement can be achieved.

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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.