What’s The Difference Between Primary & Secondary Mitral Regurgitation?
One type of mitral valve disease is mitral valve regurgitation, which is also referred to as mitral valve insufficiency. In mitral valve regurgitation, the flaps of the mitral valve are not closing properly so leakage occurs. Blood leaks back into the left atrium of the heart. However, there are actually two different types of mitral valve regurgitation (MR).
Primary Mitral Regurgitation – This is also referred to as degenerative mitral regurgitation or organic mitral regurgitation. With Primary MR, there is a primary defect in the mitral valve with the flaps and excess tissues, or a loose/ruptured support chord. One or more components of the mitral valve can be affected. Primary MR may be caused by trauma, papillary muscle rupture or infective endocarditis.
Secondary Mitral Regurgitation – This is also referred to as functional mitral regurgitation. This occurs when there is a problem or problems in the left ventricle so blood moves backward through the valve. There is a distortion and stretching in the subvalvular apparatus and other structures below the valve. This type of MR can be caused by idiopathic cardiomyopathy of coronary heart disease.
With MR, there are many different symptoms a person can experience. Symptoms include: chest pain, heart palpitations, coughing, shortness of breath, fast breathing and fatigue. Overall, MR puts a lot of stress on the heart and also the lungs. Unfortunately, some patients don’t even experience symptoms even when suffering from MR.
If left untreated, MR may lead to heart failure.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s time to go to a doctor and rule out anything serious. Early prevention is key to preventing MR and mitral valve surgery. If you do suffer from MR and are looking for a surgeon, Dr. Peter Mikhail is a specialist in mitral valve surgery in New Port Richey, FL. Dr. Mikhail will sit down with you to discuss the best possible surgical options for your condition. Click the Mitral Valve Surgery contact page or call 727-312-4844 to book an appointment.
