If you experience sudden episodes of increased heart palpitations or shortness of breath while you attempt even the most minor of physical exercises, these might be symptoms of something more sinister with your health. Unexplained episodes even without the trigger of any physical activity can be a clear warning sign of MVR.
What is mitral regurgitation?
Mitral valve regurgitation is a heart condition where the mitral valve in your heart does not close tightly. The mitral valve is like a small extension of muscle that moves to close the opening of the heart chambers when the blood is flowing from one chamber of your heart to the other. If the mitral valve does not close properly, the blood flow will be hampered which will eventually weaken your heart.
Who is more at risk for Mitral regurgitation?
Usually the following issues might put you at a higher risk for developing MR.
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- If you are significantly older in age.
- If you have genetic or birth defects to your heart
- If you have a tendency of high blood pressure or have suffered a heart attack which might cause a prolapse or weakening of the mitral valve.
How to detect mitral regurgitation?
If you catch any of the following symptoms of Mitral valve regurgitation happening to you with a greater frequency, please get a check-up done immediately.
If you are feeling out of breath even with most minor physical activities.
If it is harder to breathe when you are lying on your back
If you feel any sort of chest pains, do not ignore the sign.
Most common methods of MR diagnosis
If you go to your doctor with any of the above mentioned symptoms, most likely he would recommend any of the following tests to detect the exact condition of your heart:-
ECG or Echocardiogram- It is an ultrasound technique that particularly shows the condition of your heart, blood flow and the performance of your heart as it pumps the blood.
X ray- This is a basic test that takes the contrast picture of your heart to show the condition of your mitral valve, presence of fluids in the chambers of your heart and the thickness of your heart muscle. The doctor might also recommend a CT scan or an MRI scan which are more intensive contrast pictures of your heart.
EKG- This test measures the overall electric activity that is conducted in your heart. This also detects if you are having any abnormal rhythms to your heart.
MR is highly treatable if it is detected within time. Please do not ignore any of the possible symptoms of heart troubles. Get an immediate professional consultation from an expert cardiologist to get help within the safe time period.
