Mitral valve regurgitation often causes no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, as symptoms typically develop only when the heart can no longer compensate for the increased blood volume. In some cases, symptoms may appear abruptly and progress to heart failure.
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Heart Valves and Their Functions
Heart valves function like gates, preventing blood from flowing backward into the heart chambers during contraction. Acting as doors that open and close between the chambers of the heart, these valves operate continuously from birth throughout a person’s lifetime. The heart contains four valves located as follows:
• Tricuspid Valve – Located between the right atrium and right ventricle.
• Pulmonary Valve – Situated between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
• Mitral Valve – Located between the left atrium and left ventricle.
• Aortic Valve – Positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta, the main artery that distributes oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
Characteristics of Heart Valves
Heart valves are composed of thin or thick layers of tissue, depending on their location and function. For example, the mitral valve has a saddle-like shape and is approximately 2–3 millimeters thick. In contrast, the aortic valve consists of three thin, circular leaflets. Although these structures appear delicate, they are remarkably strong and durable.
Mild valve leakage often causes no noticeable symptoms. Even moderate to severe leakage may remain undetected until the heart can no longer compensate, potentially leading to heart failure. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Therefore, regular physical examinations or annual health check-ups are essential for the early detection of heart valve disorders.
Causes of Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Mitral valve regurgitation can result from several underlying causes, including:
• Congenital Abnormalities – Some individuals are born with structural defects of the mitral valve, which may present during childhood or later in life. Children may exhibit symptoms such as easy fatigability, poor growth, cyanosis, and associated septal defects.
• Age-Related Degeneration – Degenerative changes over time may weaken the valve, often involving mitral valve prolapse and calcium deposition.
• Rheumatic Heart Disease – A consequence of childhood infections that cause inflammation of the heart, with symptoms that may progressively worsen over time.
• Infections – Infections involving the mitral valve can lead to inflammation and structural deformation. Pathogens may enter the bloodstream through the oral cavity, contaminated needles (such as in intravenous drug use), or invasive procedures including body piercings.
Treatment of Mitral Valve Regurgitation
When the mitral valve fails to open or close properly, a physician will first assess the severity of the condition. Based on clinical symptoms and diagnostic test results, treatment options may include surgical valve repair or valve replacement.
Management for Patients with Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Patients with mild mitral valve regurgitation can generally maintain normal daily activities. However, in more severe cases, symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue may limit physical activity. Patients are advised to avoid excessive salt intake, high-fat foods, alcohol (including beer and wine), and smoking, as these factors may further impair cardiac function.
Infection prevention is another important consideration. Patients with mitral valve disorders should inform healthcare providers before undergoing dental procedures, tooth extractions, scaling, or surgical interventions. This allows for the appropriate use of prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of infective endocarditis.
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