Mitral Valve Regurgitation
When to Call a Doctor
Call911or other emergency services immediately if you or a person you are with has:
- Symptoms of a heart attack, including severe chest pain.
- Symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
- Loss of consciousness (syncope).
Call a doctor immediately if you have:
- Symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.
- Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) and are having symptoms of infection such as fever with no other obvious cause. Be alert for signs of infection if you have recently have had any dental, diagnostic, or surgical procedure.
- Irregular heartbeats and fainting episodes.
- Palpitations or shortness of breath, or you are coughing up blood.
- A decreased ability to exercise at your usual level.
- Excessive fatigue (without other explanation).
- Severe shortness of breath.
Watchful waiting
If you have chronic MR and your doctor has talked with you about what to do if you experience symptoms, follow your doctor's instructions. However, contact your health professional if your symptoms worsen.
Who to see
Health professionals who can evaluate symptoms that may be related to mitral valve regurgitation include:
They frequently can also order the tests needed for further evaluation of symptoms.
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Cynthia Tank | Last Updated: April 3, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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