Mitral Valve Regurgitation

A thorough physical exam is the first step toward a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will:

Ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Check your vital signs.
Gently feel different areas of your body to look for signs of swelling (edema).
Listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. A heart murmur may be a sign of valve disease.

Your provider may order tests to get more information.

What tests will be done to diagnose mitral valve regurgitation?

Healthcare providers commonly use transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) to diagnose mitral valve regurgitation. This painless, noninvasive test can show if you have a leaky valve or other problems with your heart structure or function. If your provider needs to get a closer view of your valve, they can use a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).

To assess the severity of the condition or plan treatment, your provider may order additional tests, like:

Cardiac CT scan (computed tomography scan).
Exercise stress echocardiogram.
Heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Cardiac catheterization (cardiac cath or coronary angiogram).

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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