Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Mitral regurgitation, or MR, treatment depends on the condition's severity, symptoms, and the underlying cause.

Patients with mild or moderate MR typically require regular monitoring but no specific interventions.

For severe MR, pharmacological treatment helps manage symptoms and reduce complications.

Medications such as diuretics relieve fluid overload and pulmonary edema.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers reduce cardiac afterload and slow the progression of left ventricular dysfunction.

Beta-blockers help control heart rate and improve cardiac output.

Additionally, anticoagulants are necessary for patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent thromboembolic events.

Lifestyle modifications, such as a low-sodium diet, may also be beneficial, and activity should be limited if symptoms develop.

If any heart failure symptoms persist, it may indicate the need for surgical intervention, such as annuloplasty or valvuloplasty.

Lastly, mitral valve replacement with a mechanical or tissue valve is sometimes required.