Mitral valve regurgitation is a problem that happens when the mitral valve does not close tightly enough. The closed valve lets blood leak (regurgitate) from the lower chamber of the heart back into the upper chamber. Your heart has to work harder to pump this extra blood.

• The risk of developing a leaky mitral valve increases as we age because the valve is prone to wear and tear over time. The valve leaflets can be damaged or stretched out to the extent they don’t close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the heart.

A leaking heart valve in elderly people is one of the common heart valve disorders. Also known as Mitral Valve Regurgitation, a leaky valve does not close properly which allows blood to leak through.

How serious is a leaky heart valve?

Left untreated, leaky heart valves can cause serious complications, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) or pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lung’s vessels). The good news is that valve problems are often quite treatable.

How long can a person live with a leaky heart valve?

In developing countries, it progresses much more rapidly and may lead to symptoms in children less than 5 years of age. Around 80% of patients with mild symptoms live for at least 10 years after diagnosis. In 60% of these patients, the disease may not progress at all.

How long can you live with severe mitral regurgitation?

The worrisome natural history of severe mitral regurgitation Widely disparate estimates of long term survival in patients with mitral regurgitation—between 97–27% at five years —have been reported.

How do you fix a leaky heart valve without surgery?

While this condition can lead to serious health problems, it is treatable – even more so these days due to a minimally invasive procedure using the MitraClip. This FDA-approved device allows physicians to fix faulty heart valves without doing open heart surgery .

What medication is used for leaky heart valve?

Diuretics . These medications can relieve fluid accumulation in your lungs or legs, which can accompany mitral valve regurgitation. Blood thinners . These medications can help prevent blood clots and may be used if you have atrial fibrillation.

Can a leaky heart valve fix itself?

A leaky heart valve , also called regurgitation, can happen suddenly or it may develop slowly over many years. If it’s a minor issue, it can be treated with medication, or you may not need treatment at all. But in some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace it to prevent damage to your heart .

What are the signs of a bad heart valve?

How would I know if I am having symptoms of valve disease? Chest pain or palpitations (rapid rhythms or skips) Shortness of breath , difficulty catching your breath, fatigue , weakness , or inability to maintain regular activity level. Lightheadedness or fainting. Swollen ankles, feet or abdomen.

What causes the mitral valve to leak?

Over time, certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, can cause your heart to work harder, gradually enlarging your heart’s left ventricle. This can stretch the tissue around your mitral valve , which can lead to leakage.

What 3 foods cardiologists say to avoid?

Here are eight of the items on their lists: Bacon, sausage and other processed meats . Hayes, who has a family history of coronary disease, is a vegetarian. Potato chips and other processed, packaged snacks. Dessert. Too much protein. Fast food. Energy drinks. Added salt. Coconut oil.

What are the symptoms of severe mitral valve regurgitation?

What are the symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation? Shortness of breath with exertion. Shortness of breath when lying flat. Tiredness ( fatigue ) Reduced ability to exercise. Unpleasant awareness of your heartbeat. Palpitations. Swelling in your legs, abdomen, and the veins in your neck. Chest pain (less common)

What are the stages of mitral valve regurgitation?

How is chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) staged? Stage A: At risk of MR. Stage B: Asymptomatic with progressive MR. Stage C: Asymptomatic with severe MR; stage C1 (left [LV] or right ventricle [RV] remains compensated) or stage C2 (decompensation of LV or RV) Stage D: Symptomatic with severe MR.

What is the life expectancy after mitral valve repair?

After mitral valve repair , 95% of patients are free of reoperation at 10 years, and this figure is approximately 90% at 20 years. Thus, reoperation is uncommon after a successful mitral valve repair .

Does exercise help leaky heart valve?

Everyone with a leaky heart valve can benefit from daily exercise , like walking. Before engaging in competitive or contact sports, people with severe valve regurgitation should talk with their doctors.

What are the 4 stages of heart failure?

There are four stages of heart failure ( Stage A, B, C and D). The stages range from “high risk of developing heart failure ” to “advanced heart failure ,” and provide treatment plans.

How can I strengthen my heart valve naturally?

7 powerful ways you can strengthen your heart Get moving. Your heart is a muscle and, as with any muscle, exercise is what strengthens it. Quit smoking. Quitting smoking is tough. Lose weight. Losing weight is more than just diet and exercise. Eat heart -healthy foods. Don’t forget the chocolate. Don’t overeat. Don’t stress. Related Stories.