Medically reviewed by Dr Nabila Laskar, Consultant Cardiologist (GMC 7040901). Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the heart's mitral valve doesn't close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. It's one of the most common valve conditions and ranges from mild and harmless to significant enough to require intervention.
Causes include mitral valve prolapse (a common, often inherited condition where the valve flaps bulge slightly), age-related degeneration, damage following a heart attack, infection (endocarditis), or as a consequence of an enlarged heart from other underlying conditions.
Mild regurgitation often causes no symptoms at all and is discovered incidentally. More significant regurgitation can cause breathlessness (particularly on exertion or lying flat), fatigue, palpitations, and swelling in the ankles or legs as the condition progresses.
An echocardiogram is the definitive diagnostic test. It not only confirms the leak but grades its severity (mild, moderate, or severe) and assesses the knock-on effect on heart chamber size and function — both crucial for deciding whether monitoring or intervention is appropriate.
Mild regurgitation typically requires only periodic monitoring with repeat echocardiograms. Moderate to severe cases may need medication to manage symptoms, and significant cases can require valve repair or replacement, usually via minimally invasive or surgical approaches depending on individual circumstances.
Mild regurgitation is very common and frequently causes no symptoms or long-term problems. It's typically monitored with periodic echocardiograms rather than actively treated.
Not necessarily. Many cases remain stable for years. Regular monitoring is important specifically to catch any progression early, should it occur.
Mild to moderate cases are usually managed with monitoring and medication. Surgical or minimally invasive valve repair is reserved for more significant cases affecting heart function or quality of life.
This depends on severity — mild cases might be reviewed every 1–3 years, while moderate to severe cases require closer, more frequent monitoring as advised by your cardiologist.