Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you or a person you are with has:

• Reference Symptoms of a heart attack Opens New Window, including chest pain or pressure.
• Reference Symptoms of stroke Opens New Window.
• Loss of consciousness (Reference syncope Opens New Window).
• Symptoms of acute mitral valve regurgitation including severe shortness of breath, fast heart rate, lightheadedness, weakness, confusion, and chest pain.

Call a doctor immediately if you have:

• Symptoms of Reference heart failure Opens New Window, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.
• Reference Mitral valve regurgitation Opens New Window (MR) and are having symptoms of infection such as fever with no other obvious cause. Be alert for signs of infection if you have recently have had any dental, diagnostic, or surgical procedure.
• Irregular heartbeats.
• Fainting episodes.
• Reference Palpitations Opens New Window.
• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing up blood.
• A decreased ability to exercise at your usual level.
• Excessive fatigue (without other explanation).

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. If you do not have symptoms of MR, your doctor will still want to see you every 6 to 12 months or as soon as you have symptoms for the first time. If your doctor has talked with you about what to do if you have symptoms, follow your doctor's instructions. Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse.

Who to see

Health professionals who can evaluate symptoms that may be related to mitral valve regurgitation include:

• Reference Family medicine doctors Opens New Window.
• Reference Internists Opens New Window.
• Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.
• Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.
• Reference Cardiologists Opens New Window.

They frequently can also order the tests needed for further evaluation of symptoms.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.