What does it mean to have a small amount of mitral valve regurgitation?
Generally, mild mitral valve regurgitation may be caused by aging, pregnancy, strenuous exercise, rheumatic fever, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Aging
With aging, the mitral valve tissue gradually becomes stiff and thickened, and its elasticity decreases, which may impair the valve's ability to close completely, resulting in minor regurgitation. Regular echocardiographic examinations are recommended to monitor the regurgitation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including moderate exercise, balanced nutrition, and blood pressure control, can help slow the valve aging process.
2. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the heart experiences increased workload, which may lead to mild mitral regurgitation. Regular prenatal checkups and close monitoring of cardiac function are recommended. When necessary, appropriate rest and lifestyle modifications under medical guidance can help reduce the cardiac burden.
3. Strenuous Exercise
Strenuous exercise or emotional excitement can temporarily increase cardiac load, worsening mitral valve insufficiency and causing minor regurgitation. This type of regurgitation is usually transient and resolves once the body recovers from exertion or emotional stress.
4. Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease that can affect the heart valves, leading to mitral valve damage and regurgitation. Symptoms may include joint pain and subcutaneous nodules. Patients may be prescribed medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, prednisolone acetate tablets, and potassium penicillin V tablets under the guidance of a specialist physician.
5. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
Physical exertion, emotional excitement, overeating, and other factors can trigger coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Coronary artery narrowing leads to insufficient myocardial blood supply, and long-term ischemia and hypoxia may cause gradual atrophy and loss of elasticity of the mitral valve, resulting in regurgitation. Symptoms may include chest tightness and palpitations. Patients should follow medical advice regarding the use of medications such as coenzyme Q10 injection, creatine phosphate sodium injection, and nifedipine tablets.
It is recommended to engage in regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, to enhance cardiopulmonary function and improve circulation.