Mitral regurgitation history and symptoms


 * Associate Editor-In-Chief: ; Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.; Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Acute and decompensated mitral insufficiency is associated with symptoms of congestive heart failure including dyspnea, PND, orthopnea, and exercise intolerance. In chronic compensated mitral regurgitation there may be few symptoms.

Symptoms of Acute or Decompensated Mitral Regurgitation
The symptoms associated with acute or decompensated mitral regurgitation are:
 * Shortness of breath
 * Orthopnea
 * Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
 * Exercise intolerance
 * Fatigue
 * Light-headedness
 * Cough
 * Palpitations (related to increased contractility and onset of atrial fibrillation).

Cardiovascular collapse with shock (cardiogenic shock) may be seen in individuals with acute mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle rupture or rupture of a chordae tendineae.

Symptoms of Chronic Compensated Mitral Regurgitation
Individuals with chronic compensated mitral regurgitation may be asymptomatic, with a normal exercise tolerance and no evidence of heart failure. These individuals may be sensitive to small shifts in their intravascular volume status, and are prone to develop volume overload (congestive heart failure).