What Happens To The Blood Of Someone With Mitral Regurgitation?
In mitral regurgitation, the mitral valve which is present between the left atrium and the left ventricle fails to transport an adequate amount of blood into the ventricles. The amount of blood which is pushed into ventricle flows back into the atria because of incomplete closure or the valve is unable to close tightly. There can be many reasons for mitral valve regurgitation; the main cause of impaired functioning of the valves is because of the weakening of the heart muscles, congenital abnormality in the valve or regular wear-and-tear because of aging. Many diseases such as rheumatic fever, endocarditis, mitral valve prolapse, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol predispose the individuals to mitral valve regurgitation.
Mitral regurgitation is the disease of the valve which causes the impaired flow of blood.
The Composition Of Blood In Mitral Regurgitation. Blood constitute 8% of the body weight. Females have 4 to 5 liters of blood whereas males have 5 to 6 liters. The amount of hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells or white blood cells remains unaffected. The blood is mostly composed of water with dissolved electrolytes and proteins.
The pH of blood is basic and is more viscous than water resisting the easy flow. The viscosity of blood prevents any strain and at the same time prevents resistance to avoiding any cardiovascular problems.
There is no effect of mitral regurgitation on the composition of blood.
Functions Of Blood In Mitral Regurgitation. The blood performs three major functions which include transportation, protection, and regulation.
Transportation. It is responsible for carrying oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the lungs and the body. It is responsible to carry nutrients and supply it to the body and collect all the waste and transports it to the liver or kidney for detoxification and removal.
Protection. White blood cells are responsible for invading the micro-organisms and produce antibodies and proteins to destruct the foreign bodies. Platelets prevent loss of blood by initiating blood clotting in case of injuries.
Regulation. It is also responsible for maintaining body temperature.
In mitral regurgitation, transportation of oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body is affected. People suffering from mitral regurgitation often have the feeling of tiredness and fatigue as there is decreased supply of nutrients. There will be shortness of breath even at rest. The heart has to work harder to allow the flow of blood as per the body requirements. The heart muscles are weak and need extra energy and efforts to pump blood.
The volume of blood which is pumped with each heartbeat is decreased. As the heart contracts the amount of blood entering into the ventricle leaks back to the atrium.
Blood can be responsible for bacterial endocarditis, as the bacteria get transported from blood and get deposited in the lining of the heart and the valves. Unlike all the other parts of the body, heart valves do not have any direct supply of blood. As there are is no blood supply, there are no white blood cell components to fight against bacteria and the infection. When bacteria find their way to heart valves, they grow and produce infection. People who have heart valves are more susceptible to valve infection.
Conclusion
Mitral regurgitation does not affect the composition of the blood. The blood is composed with a defined amount of the blood cells and the volume and viscosity of the plasma have a direct impact on the functioning of the heart. The main function of the blood is to provide oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body. The amount of blood which is being pumped is decreased hence the individuals feels tired and lethargic due to lack of nutrients and oxygen supply. Fatigue is a common symptom of mitral regurgitation. It is difficult to fight mitral regurgitation because of infection as there is no supply of blood.
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