What is mitral regurgitation or insufficiency?
Mitral regurgitation or insufficiency is a condition whereby the mitral valve permits blood from the left ventricle to leak back towards the lungs. Mitral regurgitation is most often caused by congenital malformation or damage due to trauma, infection, or heart failure. Depending on the severity of the leakage, this situation can lead to progressive lung congestion and heart failure. Symptoms commonly include shortness of breath, decreased exercise endurance, and swelling of the extremities.
