Evolution of Mitral Regurgitation

The evolution of mitral regurgitation can be variable. Not all mild or moderate cases of regurgitation become severe. In severe regurgitation, the timing of symptom onset can also be variable among patients. For severe symptomatic cases that are not treated, the patient usually experiences shortness of breath, which can increase progressively as pulmonary pressure increases. Later, the left ventricle may enlarge and lose strength. This might result in an increase in the shortness of breath, as well as pulmonary pressure, which would affect the right side of the heart.

If mitral regurgitation is properly monitored, it may be possible to determine the best time to operate on it to prevent it from leading to more problems. Arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation) is common in patients with mitral regurgitation and left atrial dilation. When there is already involvement of the left atrium and an operation is performed on the valve, there is an increased risk of experiencing this type of arrhythmia.