Overview of Mitral Regurgitation

The mitral valve opens to allow blood coming from the lungs into the left ventricle of the heart. When the heart beats, the mitral valve closes so that blood is directed to the body rather than back to the lungs.

When the mitral valve leaks, also called mitral regurgitation, blood is pumped back toward the lungs. This increases the pressure in the lungs leading to shortness of breath and puts extra strain on the heart.

A leaking, or regurgitant, mitral valve may be repaired through surgery or less invasively using catheter-based techniques.

mitral-regurgitation
In mitral regurgitation, mitral valve leaflets do not meet, allowing back flow of blood into the left atrium.

Treatments for Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you. Possible treatments for mitral valve regurgitation include:

  • Mitral Valve Repair/Replacement

    Mitral valve repair or replacement involves heart surgery to repair the mitral valve for many patients, though less invasive options may also be considered.


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