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.
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.
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.
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.