Mitral valve regurgitation

Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Mitral valve regurgitation (pronunciation: MY-trul VALV REJ-uh-ray-shun), also known as mitral insufficiency or mitral incompetence, is a condition in which the mitral valve in the heart doesn't close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward in the heart.

Etymology

The term "mitral" is derived from the Latin word "mitra", meaning "a bishop's mitre" due to the valve's two flaps resemblance to a bishop's hat. "Regurgitation" comes from the Latin "regurgitare", meaning "to overflow".

Definition

Mitral valve regurgitation is a disorder in which the heart's mitral valve suddenly doesn't close correctly, causing blood to flow backward into the heart. This backward flow can lead to various symptoms and complications if left untreated.

Symptoms

Symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation may include shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, and swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen.

Causes

Mitral valve regurgitation can be caused by problems with the mitral valve itself, or it can be a secondary result of other heart conditions such as heart disease, endocarditis, or rheumatic fever.

Treatment

Treatment for mitral valve regurgitation depends on the severity of the condition and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, surgery.

Related Terms

• Mitral valve prolapse
• Mitral valve stenosis
• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Mitral valve regurgitation
• Wikipedia's article - Mitral valve regurgitation

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