CardioAdvocate

Ischemic MR

Updated
Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

Deep Dive

Going into detail on what this term means and how it relates to health guidelines. This article may be incomplete.

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (Ischemic MR) is a condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, resulting in the backward flow of blood into the left atrium when the heart contracts. This condition occurs as a complication of heart muscle damage, typically from a heart attack or coronary artery disease. The inadequate closure of the mitral valve causes blood to leak back into the left atrium instead of being pumped out to the rest of the body, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and in severe cases, fluid buildup in the lungs.

Ischemic MR is diagnosed through imaging tests like echocardiography, which can assess the severity of the regurgitation and its impact on heart function. Treatment options for ischemic MR may include medications to manage symptoms and underlying heart conditions, such as heart failure or coronary artery disease. In more severe cases, surgical interventions like valve repair or replacement may be necessary to prevent further damage to the heart and improve symptoms. Management of Ischemic MR often involves a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life.


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