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Mitral Valve Regurgitation is a heart valve condition where the mitral valve does not close tightly, causing blood to seep backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium with each heartbeat. This reverse flow causes the heart to work harder to ensure appropriate blood circulation throughout the body. This can happen slowly from aging, mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease, infections, or injury after a heart attack. This might happen unexpectedly due to an injury or a tear in the valve structures.

Typical symptoms include shortness of breath, weariness, palpitations, poor activity tolerance, swelling of the legs or ankles, and in more severe cases, chest discomfort. Mild regurgitation usually does not cause any symptoms that you notice and is typically found during routine medical checks.

Diagnosis is usually made by physical exam, echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and cardiac MRI or cardiac catheterization to evaluate the severity of the leak and heart function. Treatment depends on the severity of valve damage and symptoms. In mild situations, the only treatment may be monitoring and medication to manage blood pressure or cardiac rhythm. In severe circumstances, you may need surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve to restore normal blood flow, enhance heart function, and prevent long-term consequences such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation.