Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is a condition of heart which is symbolized by the leakage of blood from left lower chamber to the left upper chamber of the heart. This happens due to improper closing of the mitral valve during the contraction of the heart. it usually develops after a heart attack or mitral valve prolapse and others that may damage the mitral valve. Trivial mitral regurgitation is a milder form of mitral regurgitation. it does not cause much harm to the heart and its function. It can be managed with healthy lifestyle and usually does not require treatment.
Can Trivial Mitral Regurgitation Progress?
Trivial mitral regurgitation is a type of mitral regurgitation that has normal findings of the heart function with no relevant symptoms. It is characterized by slight leakage of blood in the upper chamber from the lower chamber of the heart. This condition is not serious. Trivial mitral regurgitation has very slow progress of the disease to the serious condition in rare cases only.
Trivial mitral regurgitation is caused by inflammatory diseases of heart lining or valves, heart attack or rheumatic fever. Another cause can be wear and tear or damage of cords of the mitral valve in a trauma. Mitral valve prolapse can also cause mitral valve regurgitation. Congenital birth defects of the mitral valve can cause mitral valve regurgitation. Abnormalities of heart muscle render much stress on the heart leading to the enlargement of the heart thereby resulting in mitral regurgitation.
Trivial mitral regurgitation has following features –
- Dilation of the left atrium
- Mild thickening of the mitral valve
Trivial mitral regurgitation does not need treatment. The affected person can lead a normal life. Only lifestyle modification should be done to prevent further damage to the heart. This includes-
- Regular exercises or a slight increase in physical activity is beneficial for the health of heart and lungs. It should be done every day or at least 150 min in a week.
- Cessation of smoking improves the condition.
- Alcohol should be cut down to fetch the health of the heart.
Diet management plays an important role to ensure the health of the heart. it includes avoidance of the salt, sugar, saturated and trans fat from the diet as they can elevate the levels of cholesterol in the body leading to heart problems. Consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein and food containing omega-3 fatty acids are heart-healthy food.
One should also be careful of infections. It is better to avoid strep infections that can complicate into rheumatic fever. It can damage the mitral valve and can lead to the progress of the condition to a serious one. Physicians prefer to prescribe antibiotics in any surgical procedures such as tooth extraction to prevent strep infections and rheumatic fever.
Mitral valve lies in between the two chambers of the left side of the heart. It separates the left atrium and left ventricle regulating the flow of blood in one direction only. The left side chambers of heart contain oxygenated blood coming from the lungs and distributed to rest parts of the body,
Mitral valve regurgitation is the condition marked by the leakage of the blood backward into the left atrium from the left ventricle through the mitral valve in every contraction of the heart. This leakage causes the flow of blood in two directions during every heartbeat. This results in an increase in the blood volume and pressure in the left chamber. This pressure increases pressure on the vein coming to the left atrium from the lungs.
Conclusion
Trivial mitral regurgitation is a milder form of mitral regurgitation which is marked by slight leakage of blood into the left atrium from the left ventricle. This is a harmless condition and does not require significant treatment. It can be treated by lifestyle modifications discussed above. Trivial mitral regurgitation rarely progresses to serious condition.
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