Mitral regurgitation

Diastolic Mitral Regurgitation

by Hoosier Daddy - 2017-11-30 22:24:17

I have mild / moderate MR, specifically, chronic SECONDARY MR. In my case, it is not because of a problem with the apparatus of the valve (the valve leaflets, chordae tendinaea, papillary muscles or the annulus), also known as PRIMARY MR, but rather it is from my cardiomyopathy. More specifically, I have DIASTOLIC MR.

My underlying diagnosis is (probably non-ischemic) dilated cardiomyopathy and LBBB. 

In a healthy heart, the mitral valves open as the left atrium pumps blood into the ventricle (diastole), the valves then close and remain tightly closed while the left ventricle contracts (systole), leading to blood flowing forward via the aorta into the body. 

When the valve apparatus is diseased (primary MR), "the doors don't remain completely closed" during systole so some blood is squeezed backwards into the left atrium, potentially causing LA dilation and higher pulmonary blood pressures, which in turn can cause symptoms of shortness of breath. 

For people like me, timing abnormalities mean that even though my mitral valve apparatus is normal, some blood flows backwards towards my lungs not when the left ventricle is squeezing (systole) but during the relaxation phase. 

My type of MR is treated, among other ways, by correcting the timing abnormalities (cardiac resynchronization therapy). For those with primary, or valve apparatus, problems, surgical modification or replacement of the valves plays a role. 

Thanks, Hoosier

by Love - 2017-12-01 00:26:00

You seemed well versed in the subject.  Guess I'll just have to wait for that appointment.  Sounds like BP plays a pretty important role in this.  God Bless,  Love...