Mitral valve regurgitation, also called mitral valve insufficiency, is an important heart disease. It is a slowly progressing heart disease, so symptoms do not appear immediately. In mild cases, this heart disease usually does not require treatment, but in serious cases, it does. At the same time, when it progresses and reaches a serious level, it negatively affects the person’s life. Therefore, as with other heart diseases, early diagnosis and treatment are very important. In severe cases of mitral valve insufficiency, medication, and surgical procedures are usually applied. However, it is also important to consider some lifestyle changes recommended by the doctor. Surgical procedures usually involve mitral valve replacement and mitral valve repair.

Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Before treatment of mitral valve regurgitation begins, a thorough examination and tests are performed. It is very important to determine whether there is evidence of mitral valve prolapse in the tests performed. The following examinations and tests are performed by the doctor in mitral valve regurgitation:

• Medical History And Physical Examination

 As with any disease, information about the patient’s medical history is obtained in mitral valve insufficiency. Then the doctor performs a physical examination and listens to the sound of the heart. Of course, a physical examination with a stethoscope will not be enough to detect mitral valve regurgitation. Therefore, the doctor will use some tests to diagnose other heart diseases.

• Echocardiogram

A noninvasive test method, an echocardiogram is a way to diagnose this heart condition. As it is an imaging test, it records images of the heart. By visualizing the heart valves, this diagnostic method can detect the condition. It can also reveal the level of mitral valve regurgitation.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Like the other methods, an electrocardiogram is a non-invasive test method. It detects electrical activity in the heart. Pads with electrodes attached to the skin send electrical signals to the heart. It diagnoses mitral valve regurgitation by detecting damage to the heart muscle and irregular heart rhythms.

• Cardiac MRI

This diagnostic method involves detailed imaging of the heart. Using magnetic fields and radio waves, the severity of mitral valve regurgitation can be determined. The size and function of the left ventricle, an important chamber in the heart, can also be visualized.

• Cardiac catheterization

This is an invasive test. It uses a cardiac catheterization catheter to measure the pressure and blood flow in the heart. A catheter is a thin tube directed to the heart after being inserted into a blood vessel. The blood vessels are visualized on an X-ray, making it easier to diagnose mitral valve insufficiency.

• Chest X-ray

An X-ray of the chest can show the size and shape of the heart and lungs. This diagnostic method is quick and easy. Chest X-ray can also diagnose an enlarged heart.

The doctor evaluates the results of these diagnostic tests. This determines the stage of mitral valve regurgitation. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preventing complications cannot be overstated.

Mitral Heart Regurgitation Treatment

Mitral heart regurgitation treatment is primarily determined and applied according to the stage of this disease. This disease is diagnosed at four different stages: Stage A, Stage B, Stage C, and Stage D. Stage A is the mildest and is at risk. Stage B is defined as progressive, and Stage C is defined as asymptomatic and severe. The most severe is stage D. A treatment plan is made according to all these stages and the general health status of the patient. Generally, mitral valve regurgitation is treated with medication and surgical procedures. Special medications are given to patients who are not suitable for surgery, especially those with weakened heart muscles and high blood pressure. You can see the treatment methods for mitral heart regurgitation below.

• Medication Therapy

Medication is usually suitable for people with mild to moderate mitral heart regurgitation. Patients whose general health does not permit surgery can also benefit from this treatment. Drug therapy aims to reduce symptoms and prevent complications that may develop due to this condition. Three different types of medication are generally used in mitral heart regurgitation. These drugs are classified as follows:

• Blood pressure medications
• Diuretics
• Blood thinners

These medicines have their intended use in mitral heart regurgitation. Hypertension has the risk of worsening mitral valve regurgitation. For this reason, blood pressure medications are given to control blood pressure. Diuretics are used to prevent excessive water retention in the body. Since clotting is a significant risk in cardiovascular diseases, blood thinners are used. By preventing clots, these medicines reduce the risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. All these medications are used to control the symptoms of mitral heart regurgitation and help the person recover.

Surgical Procedures

In severe cases of mitral valve regurgitation, surgical procedures may be unavoidable. Surgery for this disease aims to replace and repair the mitral valve. One of the most advanced medical surgical procedures is robot-assisted heart surgery. You can see the surgical procedures for mitral heart regurgitation in the headings below.

• Robot-Assisted Heart Surgery

Robot-assisted heart surgery is an advanced surgical procedure for mitral heart repair and replacement. Since it is performed with a minimally invasive approach, there is less scarring compared to traditional surgeries. It also provides less pain and bleeding. Accordingly, there is a faster healing process. This surgical procedure uses a robotic surgical system. This system has robotic arms equipped with a camera that provides a 3D image. Thanks to robot-assisted heart surgery, mitral valve replacement and mitral valve repair are performed easily.

• Mitral Valve Repair

It is an appropriate surgical procedure before mitral valve replacement. It aims to repair damage to the heart valve and thus save the heart valve. In addition to this procedure, there are three other surgical procedures. The different procedures for mitral valve repair are as follows:

Mitral valve clip: This surgical method is used for people who are not suitable for open surgery. A small incision in the groin is used to insert a thin, flexible tube (catheter) and thread it up to the heart. The mitral valve clip is inserted into the catheter and attached to the valve leaflets once the catheter is in place. The leaflets are then held together by the clip as they close, allowing the valve to function properly.

Annuloplasty: This surgical procedure involves compressing and strengthening the annulus around the mitral valve.

Valvuloplasty: It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for repairing a narrowed or blocked heart valve. Through a small incision, a catheter with a balloon attached to its tip is inserted into the groin area and passed up to the heart. After the balloon is inflated, the heart valve opens and allows regular blood flow.

• Mitral Valve Replacement

Mitral valve replacement is a surgical procedure used in severe cases. It involves replacing the damaged and diseased mitral valve in the heart with an artificial valve. The mitral valve is removed and replaced through a small incision in the chest. The artificial mitral valve can be made of metal, plastic, or tissue from an animal. A mitral valve replacement under general anesthesia can take several hours. The patient can be discharged a few days after surgery and may need physical therapy to restore mobility.