What are the consequences of mitral valve insufficiency?
Dec 04, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Mitral regurgitation can be divided into two types: acute and chronic. Acute mitral regurgitation may lead to acute left heart failure and orthopnea. Chronic mitral regurgitation can cause symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, and reduced exercise tolerance. If the condition progresses continuously, it may result in pulmonary congestion, leading to paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and hemoptysis.
Mitral regurgitation can be divided into two types—acute and chronic—each of which may lead to different complications such as dyspnea, pulmonary edema, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
1. Acute mitral regurgitation: In mild cases with slight mitral regurgitation, patients may experience mild chest tightness and palpitations after exertion. If the regurgitation is more severe, it can lead to acute left heart failure, orthopnea, and even acute pulmonary edema, manifesting as coughing up pink, frothy sputum and cyanosis of the lips. Without prompt treatment, this condition may be life-threatening.
2. Chronic mitral regurgitation: Patients with mild disease often have no obvious symptoms. However, if the regurgitation is significant, they may develop fatigue, drowsiness, and reduced exercise tolerance. As the disease progresses, it can cause pulmonary congestion, leading to paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and hemoptysis. Over time, complications such as respiratory tract infections and heart failure may arise, posing serious risks to the patient's health and life.
Once symptoms of mitral regurgitation appear, patients should promptly seek medical evaluation, including echocardiography, to determine the severity of the condition and receive appropriate treatment under a physician’s guidance.
