Acute Mitral Incompetence - Mitral Regurgitation, Acute

Acute mitral regurgitation is a condition that affects the mitral valve in the heart. The mitral valve does not close completely, causing the blood to flow in the wrong direction. The mitral valve separates the heart's left atrium, or upper chamber, from the left ventricle, or lower chamber.

What is going on in the body?

The left atrium receives blood from the lungs and passes it through the mitral valve to the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps blood to the rest of the body. The mitral valve normally remains firm when the left ventricle contracts.

In a person who has acute mitral regurgitation, the mitral valve no longer closes properly. With every heartbeat, some blood is pumped back through the valve and into the upper part of the heart. The body is not able to pump enough blood to the rest of the body.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Mitral regurgitation is caused when the mitral valve fails to close properly. Some people are born with a defective mitral valve. Diseases and conditions that can cause mitral regurgitation include the following:

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms of acute mitral regurgitation include:

How is the condition diagnosed?

The diagnosis of acute mitral regurgitation begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare provider can hear the sound of abnormal blood flow across the valve, which is called a heart murmur. Another sign is a vibration, called a thrill, felt on the chest.

Special tests can be done to identify the cause and severity of the regurgitation. Common tests include the following:

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Proper treatment of diseases of the heart may help prevent some cases of mitral regurgitation. People with heart disease should ask their healthcare provider about taking antibiotics before dental work or surgery.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Acute mitral regurgitation may result in death if it is severe and accompanied by other medical problems. The outcome is often related to the underlying cause, such as a heart attack. People who are healthier and without other diseases do better than those with other medical problems.

What are the risks to others?

Acute mitral regurgitation is not contagious and poses no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Acute mitral regurgitation requires immediate medical care. Regardless of the cause, open heart surgery is often needed to replace or repair the damaged mitral valve. Medication and special devices may help before surgery.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia. Someone who has an artificial valve is at higher risk for blood clots. These small blood clots can travel in the blood and block blood flow to other organs.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After recovering from surgery, a person:

A blood-thinning medicine is often prescribed after surgery to help prevent blood clots. A person should check with the healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies. Some drugs can interfere with the blood-thinning medicine.

How is the condition monitored?

Acute mitral regurgitation is monitored through regular visits to the healthcare provider. The provider may order regular tests, including an echocardiogram. Any new or unusual symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Eric Berlin, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:04/30/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:04/06/01

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