Is mitral valve prolapse a reversible condition?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was recommended by my cardiologist for heart valve replacement surgery as my latest echocardiogram results, both transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE), revealed that my mitral valve prolapse had worsened. The diagnosis was severe eccentric MR (mitral regurgitation). However, during the latest TTE scan, the radiologist who did the scan said that my regurgitation was only moderate. I find this very confusing and was wondering if MVP is a reversible condition. Additionally, I am not taking any medications.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First, the severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) will be accurately assessed by your cardiologist. An eccentric type of MR is actually graded higher than it appears. For instance, your radiologist may interpret it as moderate, but it is severe; its eccentric nature makes it seem less severe than it truly is.

Secondly, why are you not on any medication yet? You should be taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and diuretics. If you experience symptoms like breathlessness, these medications can help relieve them and prevent heart-related events. If you have symptoms and your heart chamber size is increasing, you should consider mitral valve replacement (MVR). If a prolapse is worsening, it will not reverse on its own.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.