Diagnosing and managing mitral regurgitation

Abstract

Mitral regurgitation is the most prevalent valvular disorder in the United States. Patient presentation varies from asymptomatic to symptoms of severe heart failure. Primary care providers often are the first to detect mitral regurgitation as a result of careful auscultation. Medical management focuses on reducing cardiac workload, combating cardiac remodeling, and treating left ventricular failure. Surgical management is reserved for severe cases.