Clinical Problem 

What is Mitral Valve Regurgitation?

Mitral regurgitation is a progressive disease in which the valve annulus (opening) dilates and prevents the valve leaflets from closing properly.  As a result, blood from each ventricular contraction flows backwards (regurgitates) into the left atrium.  This reduction in forward blood flow causes reduction in cardiac output, decreased ejection fraction and ultimately respiratory compromise.  Eventually, compensatory myocardial dilation becomes inadequate, resulting in congestive heart failure (CHF).