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Mitral Valve Regurgitation (MR) is a cardiac valve disease where the mitral valve is unable to seal properly, leading to retrograde blood flow from the left ventricle to the left atrium during contraction. This backwards flow causes the heart to work harder to pump enough blood. Eventually, this leads to the expansion of the left atrium and ventricle. Causes of MR include mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease, infective endocarditis, degenerative valve alterations, congenital defects, or damage from a heart attack.

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, exhaustion, decreased exercise tolerance, heart palpitations, chronic cough, and swelling of the legs or feet, and they depend on the severity of the illness. Mild instances can be without symptoms for years. Severe regurgitation can result in cardiac failure if addressed.
Diagnosis is usually made by physical exam, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray and cardiac MRI or cardiac catheterisation if more evaluation is needed. Treatment varies on the severity of the leak and symptoms. Medications can be used to treat the symptoms of heart failure, but in severe situations surgical mitral valve repair or replacement is necessary. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up, as well as timely treatments, improve heart function, reduce problems and promote long-term quality of life.