• While the mitral valve is not closing properly, blood can flow backward into the left atrium. This is called mitral regurgitation. When this condition starts, its symptoms can be very different depending on how serious it is and how quickly it happens. People with mild mitral regurgitation may not have any symptoms for years. But as the disease gets worse, different symptoms can show up that can affect a person’s health and quality of life.

• The most frequently reported symptoms of mitral regurgitation include shortness of breath (dyspnea), fatigue, and heart palpitations. Shortness of breath often begins as a problem only during physical activity or exercise, but as the condition worsens, breathing difficulties can occur even at rest. Some individuals may experience orthopnea, which is shortness of breath when lying down, often relieved by sitting up or propping up with pillows.

   

  Another common sign is chronic fatigue. The heart has to work harder to compensate for the poor blood flow caused by the leaky valve, so you may get tired more quickly, especially when you’re physically active. This fatigue can have a big effect on daily life, making simple tasks feel harder.

   

  Many people with mitral regurgitation also experience palpitations, which are sensations of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat. These can be intermittent and may be more noticeable during physical activity or when lying down. While palpitations can be unsettling, they are often harmless in themselves but may indicate the need for medical evaluation.

• As mitral regurgitation progresses and affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, more severe symptoms may develop. Fluid can build up in the body, often resulting in swelling (edema), particularly in the ankles, feet, and legs. In more advanced cases, abdominal swelling may also occur.

   

  Some individuals may experience chest discomfort or pain. This is typically not the sharp, crushing pain associated with a heart attack, but rather a dull ache or feeling of pressure in the chest area. It may worsen with physical activity and improve with rest.

   

  A persistent cough, especially one that worsens when lying down, can be a symptom of advanced mitral regurgitation. This cough may be dry or produce a pink, frothy sputum, which can indicate pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Additionally, as the condition affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, some people may experience lightheadedness or dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly or during physical exertion.

Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.

You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.

To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.