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Individuals with mitral valve regurgitation should undergo regular cardiology check-ups, adhere to medical therapy, and avoid lifestyle habits that strain the heart. The frequency of follow-up varies according to the severity of the disease, and early intervention plays a critical role in reducing the risk of heart failure.
Lifestyle modifications in mitral valve regurgitation are effective in slowing the progression of the disease. Salt restriction, balanced nutrition, and maintaining an ideal body weight are recommended. Activities requiring excessive exertion should be avoided, and smoking and alcohol consumption should be limited.
Exercise planning in mitral valve regurgitation should be individualized according to the severity of the disease. In mild cases, aerobic exercises such as brisk walking may be appropriate, whereas heavy sports are not recommended in advanced regurgitation. A physician’s opinion should always be obtained before starting exercise.
The medication and surgical follow-up process in mitral valve regurgitation is important for controlling symptoms. When symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and easy fatigue increase, evaluation should be performed without delay. Surgical intervention planned at the appropriate time may prolong life expectancy.
What Is Mitral Valve Regurgitation and How Does It Affect the Body?
The mitral valve ensures one-way blood flow during the cardiac cycle. When structural abnormalities (for example, mitral valve prolapse), rheumatic damage, degenerative changes, or functional insufficiency due to enlargement of the heart muscle develop, the valve cannot close completely. As a result, during systole, some of the blood flows back from the left ventricle to the left atrium.
This backward flow causes volume overload in the left atrium and, over time, in the left ventricle. In the long term, enlargement (dilation) of the heart chambers, increased pulmonary pressures, and signs of heart failure may occur. However, not all mitral valve regurgitation progresses with the same severity; mild cases may be monitored for years without symptoms, whereas advanced regurgitation requires closer follow-up.
Which Symptoms Should Be Closely Monitored?
The most frequently reported symptoms in individuals with mitral valve regurgitation include:
- Shortness of breath with exertion (dyspnea)
- Easy fatigue
- Palpitations
- Nighttime shortness of breath or orthopnea
- Swelling in the ankles
These symptoms may result from the heart’s response to increased volume load. In particular, newly developed or progressively worsening shortness of breath, palpitations at rest, or a feeling of fainting should not delay cardiology evaluation.
In some patients, atrial fibrillation (a cardiac rhythm disorder) may develop. This rhythm problem may present with palpitations and an irregular pulse and is particularly important because it can increase the risk of stroke.
Why Is Regular Cardiology Follow-Up Important?
Clinical follow-up in mitral valve regurgitation is one of the main factors determining the course of the disease. The most commonly used method in follow-up is echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound). With echocardiography:
- The degree of regurgitation
- Left ventricular function
- The size of the heart chambers
- Pulmonary artery pressure
are evaluated.
In mild and asymptomatic cases, periodic follow-up may be sufficient, whereas more frequent monitoring is recommended in moderate and advanced regurgitation. The frequency of follow-up is planned individually according to the patient’s clinical condition and echocardiographic findings.
What Should Be Considered in Daily Life?
Lifestyle adjustments in individuals with mitral valve regurgitation may help reduce the burden on the heart.
Physical Activity
In individuals with mild to moderate regurgitation and no significant symptoms, regular and controlled exercise is generally recommended. However, intense and competitive sports may be inappropriate, especially in advanced valve disease. The exercise program should always be planned according to the physician’s recommendation.
Blood Pressure Control
Hypertension (high blood pressure) may increase the load on the mitral valve. Therefore, maintaining blood pressure within target ranges is important. Antihypertensive therapy may be arranged when necessary.
Salt and Fluid Balance
In advanced stages or in patients who have developed signs of heart failure, salt restriction may be recommended. Excessive salt consumption may lead to fluid retention in the body and increase shortness of breath. However, strict fluid restriction is not necessary for every patient; this decision is made according to clinical evaluation.
Weight Control and Metabolic Health
Metabolic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia may negatively affect heart health. Balanced nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight range contribute to reducing overall cardiovascular risk.
Dental Treatments and Risk of Infection
In some valve diseases, the risk of infective endocarditis (heart valve infection) may increase. According to current guidelines, routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended in every patient with mitral valve regurgitation; however, in certain high-risk groups, preventive antibiotics may be planned before dental procedures. Therefore, it is appropriate to consult a cardiologist before dental treatment.
Maintaining oral and dental hygiene is an important step in reducing the risk of infection.
Pregnancy and Mitral Valve Regurgitation
In women with mitral valve regurgitation, pregnancy planning must be evaluated together with a cardiologist and an obstetrician. During pregnancy, blood volume increases, which may increase the burden on the heart. Mild cases are generally well tolerated, whereas close monitoring is required in patients with advanced regurgitation.
It is recommended to perform echocardiographic evaluation before pregnancy planning.
When May Surgical Intervention Be Considered?
The treatment approach in mitral valve regurgitation is determined according to the presence of symptoms, the degree of valve damage, and left ventricular function. When advanced regurgitation, significant symptoms, or deterioration in heart function is detected, surgical repair (mitral valve repair) or valve replacement may be considered.
Mitral valve repair may allow preservation of the valve tissue in suitable patients. However, which method is appropriate is determined through detailed cardiological and surgical evaluation. The same approach does not apply to every patient.
Psychological Effects and Quality of Life
Receiving a diagnosis of heart disease may be distressing for many individuals. Questions such as “Will surgery be necessary?” or “Will heart failure develop in the future?” may create a sense of uncertainty in patients. At this point, regular communication with the physician and clear, scientific information about the course of the disease are important.
Many individuals with mild mitral valve regurgitation can maintain a normal life for many years. However, it should be remembered that the disease varies individually.
Prof. Dr. Kadriye Orta Kılıçkesmez is one of the leading figures in the field of Turkish cardiology. She was born on January 24, 1974, in Tekirdağ. After completing her undergraduate education at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, she chose cardiology as her specialty and received her specialist training at the Cardiology Institute of the same university. In 2015, she was appointed by the university to establish the Şişli Etfal cardiology clinic and Angio laboratory. Becoming a professor in 2017, Kadriye Kılıçkesmez established the cardiology clinic and Angio laboratory of Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşçı Hospital in 2020 and ensured that the clinic became a training clinic.
