When is it time to consider mitral valve surgery?
Mitral valve repair is usually suggested recommended when a diagnostic imaging test (Echocardiogram, Cardiac MRI, or Angiogram) shows severe mitral regurgitation AND if the patient has symptoms such as shortness of breath at rest or with physical effort. For patients without symptoms, surgical valve repair is recommended if the Left Ventricle is enlarged, if the heart rhythm becomes irregular (atrial fibrillation) or if the blood pressure within the lung arteries is increased.
