Welcome to the medical library of Hartford Cardiology Group. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any condition or treatment, please contact Hartford Cardiology Group. To schedule an appointment please call (860-547-1489) or [email protected].
Heart Valve Problems: Mitral Insufficiency
Mitral insufficiency means your mitral valve has problems closing, letting blood leak back through the valve. Mild cases of mitral insufficiency, when a small amount of blood leaks, rarely lead to problems. But severe cases can cause damage to the ventricle and heart muscle.
Possible Causes
Damage to the heart from disease (such as rheumatic fever) or aging can cause mitral insufficiency. In some cases, mitral insufficiency may result from mitral valve prolapse.
Having mitral insufficiency doesn’t mean you need to stop being active.
Closed mitral valve with insufficiency (viewed from above).
Treating Mitral Insufficiency
For more serious cases of mitral insufficiency, medications may be prescribed. These help the heart work better. In severe cases, heart valve surgery may be needed to repair or replace the valve.