Mitral valve regurgitation is the condition caused due to leakage of blood from ventricle back to the auricle. The condition is caused due to an abnormality in the mitral valve. Most of the patients have no or very mild symptoms. Few patients require surgery. The drugs used for the management includes diuretics, anti-hypertensives, and antibiotics.
Can Mitral Valve Regurgitation Go Away On Its Own?
Mitral valve regurgitation is the leak of blood from the ventricle to the auricle. The extent of leakage decides the severity of the symptoms. In many cases, the disease goes unnoticed as there are no symptoms experienced. Some cases are characterized by the presence of mind to moderate symptoms while few cases are so severe that surgical intervention for either repairing or replacing the valve is required.
Mitral valve regurgitation is caused due to mitral valve prolapse. Mitral valve prolapse is the condition in which the leaflets of the mitral valve fail to completely close the connection between the left auricle and left ventricle.
There are various causes of this prolapse. As this is an anatomical abnormality, this condition does not go away on its own. Rather, in severe cases, surgery for valve replacement or repairing is required. Although the anatomical repairing cannot occur of its own, but by following the advice of the cardiologist, the condition can be managed.
The symptoms may either be kept mild or many cases have seen the complete disappearance of symptoms. However, this does not mean that the mitral valve has started functioning properly rather this indicates the appropriate management of mitral valve regurgitation.
Causes Of Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Mitral Valve Prolapse. Mitral valve prolapse is the primary reason for mitral valve regurgitation. As the mitral valve prolapses, the blood leaks from the ventricle back to the auricle leading to murmuring sound.
Infective endocarditis. Endocarditis is the condition characterized by the presence of inflammation in heat lining as well as valves. This also causes mitral valve regurgitation. Rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever damages the mitral valve leading to mitral valve regurgitation.
Connective tissue disease. Mitral valve is connected to the heart tissues through connective tissue. Any disease of the connective tissue causes stretching of the valve leading to its bugging inside the auricle during systole.
Trauma. Any trauma may cause damage to mitral valve causing mitral valve regurgitation.
Medications. Medications such as cabergoline and ergotamine causes mitral valve prolapse and causes mitral valve regurgitation.
Radiation. Mitral valve prolapse can also be due to radiation therapy. The patient may undergo radiation therapy in any cancer related to chest cavity leading to the damage of mitral valve. Damage to mitral valve may lead to mitral valve regurgitation.
Treatment Of Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Most of the treatment available for mitral valve regurgitation manages, the symptoms as most of the patients suffers from mild mitral valve regurgitation. Following are the treatment options available to the cardiologist for the management of mitral valve regurgitation.
Diuretics. During mitral valve regurgitation, there is a reduced flow of blood. This leads to accumulation of fluid especially in the lower body part such as legs. This results in edema. Diuretics are used to remove the excess fluid and ease the symptom of edema.
Antihypertensive. As mitral valve regurgitation results in atrial fibrillation and heart failure, various antihypertensive drugs are advised to the patient. The drug includes beta blockers such as propranolol and atenolol and calcium channel blockers.
Antibiotics. As mitral valve regurgitation is also caused due to infective endocarditis, antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
Surgery. In severe cases, surgery is required. Surgery may be to with repairing or replacing the valve.
Blood-Thinning Drugs. Blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin are used to improve circulation.
Conclusion
Mitral valve regurgitation does not go away on its own as the mitral valve is structurally damaged. However, through various treatment strategies, the disease can be effectively managed.
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