Mitral insufficiency
Key points
- Acute mitral regurgitation is a disorder in which the heart's mitral valve suddenly does not close properly, causing blood to leak (back-flow) into the left atrium (upper heart chamber) when the left ventricle (lower heart chamber) contracts.
- Regurgitation (leaking from insufficient valve closure) is caused by diseases that weaken or damage the valve or its supporting structures.
- Palpation may show thrill (vibration) over the heart.
- Hospitalization may be required for diagnosis and treatment of severe symptoms.
Alternative names
Mitral regurgitation - acute; Acute mitral regurgitation
Definition
Acute mitral regurgitation is a disorder in which the heart's mitral valve suddenly does not close properly, causing blood to leak (back-flow) into the left atrium (upper heart chamber) when the left ventricle (lower heart chamber) contracts.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Regurgitation (leaking from insufficient valve closure) is caused by diseases that weaken or damage the valve or its supporting structures. Inadequate closure of the mitral valve causes blood to flow back to the left atrium. The blood flow to the rest of the body is decreased as a result and the heart may pump harder to try to compensate.
Acute mitral regurgitation may be the result of dysfunction or injury to the valve following a Heart attack or infective endocarditis (infection of the heart valve). These conditions may rupture the valve, the papillary muscle or chordae tendineae (the structures that anchor the valve cusps). A rupture of these structures results in the valve leaflet prolapsing or flailing (protruding) into the atrium, leaving an opening for the backflow of blood.
Risk factors include a recent individual history of the disorders mentioned above.
Symptoms
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath that increases when lying flat (orthopnea). In severe acute mitral regurgitation, Shortness of breath is due the backflow of blood into the lungs.
- sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
- chest pain - unrelated to coronary artery diseese or a Heart attack
- cough
Note: There may be an abrupt onset of symptoms.
Signs and tests
Palpation may show thrill (vibration) over the heart. A stethoscope may reveal a distinctive murmur in the heart. However, this murmur may be absent in some cases of acute mitral regurgitation. If fluid backs up into the lungs, there may be crackles heard in the lungs. Blood pressure is usually normal. Billowing of the mitral valve and/or regurgitation of blood may be seen on:
- Echocardiogram - an ultrasound examination of the heart
Frequently asked questions
What is mitral insufficiency?
Acute mitral regurgitation is a disorder in which the heart's mitral valve suddenly does not close properly, causing blood to leak (back-flow) into the left atrium (upper heart chamber) when the left ventricle (lower heart chamber) contracts.
What are the risk factors for mitral insufficiency?
Regurgitation (leaking from insufficient valve closure) is caused by diseases that weaken or damage the valve or its supporting structures. Inadequate closure of the mitral valve causes blood to flow back to the left atrium. The blood flow to the rest of the body is decreased as a result and the heart may pump harder to try to compensate. Acute mitral regurgitation may be the result of dysfunction or injury to the valve following a Heart attack or infective endocarditis (infection of the heart valve). These conditions may rupture the valve, the papillary muscle or chordae tendineae (the structures that anchor the valve cusps).
What are the symptoms of mitral insufficiency?
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath that increases when lying flat (orthopnea). In severe acute mitral regurgitation, Shortness of breath is due the backflow of blood into the lungs.
- sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
- chest pain - unrelated to coronary artery diseese or a Heart attack
- cough Note: There may be an abrupt onset of symptoms.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.