About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Mitral Regurgitation Murmur
Introduction
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a condition in which the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left atrium from the left ventricle during systole (heart contraction). This backward flow creates a characteristic heart murmur.
Causes of Mitral Regurgitation
Mitral regurgitation can be caused by: - Primary (organic) MR: Due to structural abnormalities of the mitral valve, such as mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease, endocarditis, or degenerative changes. - Secondary (functional) MR: Due to left ventricular dilation and dysfunction, commonly seen in heart failure or ischemic heart disease.
Characteristics of Mitral Regurgitation Murmur
- Timing: Holosystolic (pansystolic) murmur that lasts throughout systole.
- Location: Best heard at the apex of the heart.
- Radiation: Often radiates to the left axilla.
- Quality: Blowing or high-pitched sound.
- Intensity: Can vary, often increased with handgrip maneuver and diminished with standing or Valsalva maneuver.
Diagnosis
- Auscultation: A physician listens with a stethoscope to detect the murmur.
- Echocardiography: The definitive diagnostic test to assess valve function and the severity of regurgitation.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): May show signs of left atrial enlargement or atrial fibrillation.
- Chest X-ray: Can show heart enlargement in chronic cases.
Treatment Options
- Mild and Asymptomatic Cases: Often monitored with regular echocardiograms.
- Medical Therapy: Includes medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors to manage symptoms in functional MR.
- Surgical Treatment: Mitral valve repair or replacement is considered in moderate-to-severe cases when symptoms develop or left ventricular function declines.
Conclusion
Mitral regurgitation murmur is an important clinical sign indicating possible valve disease. Early detection and appropriate management can improve patient outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-disease-resources
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000932
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/38/36/2739/4095039
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17259184/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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