HomeAnswersCardiologymitral regurgitation

Is surgery necessary for a mitral valve leak?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My mom is 46 years old. She recently had her routine physical examination, during which it was discovered that her mitral valve does not close fully, but to a very slight degree. The doctor believes that she does not need surgery and did not mention anything else. Therefore, I would like to seek a second opinion on this. Does she need surgery? What steps should she take to improve her health?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Mandurke Vivek Maroti

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mandurke Vivek Maroti is a well-experienced Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. His expertise includes managing hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiac care. With a patient-centered approach, he focuses on advanced heart health management and lifestyle modification to improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Maroti is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and reliable cardiac care tailored to each patient’s needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From your short descriptions, I understood that there is a leak in the mitral valve. Yes, mild to moderate leaks can be managed with medicine, but if a severe leak is there, then at some stage operation is required. I can guide you more if you send an echo report and more history.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Since she is in another city now, I managed to send you the vital information from the echo report. Hopefully, that will be sufficient for you to make a diagnosis.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Mandurke Vivek Maroti

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mandurke Vivek Maroti is a well-experienced Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. His expertise includes managing hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiac care. With a patient-centered approach, he focuses on advanced heart health management and lifestyle modification to improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Maroti is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and reliable cardiac care tailored to each patient’s needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The report (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity) you provided, shows that one heart chamber has enlarged significantly, and the leak is moderate. She needs to be on medication. If she experiences any breathing difficulties that are difficult to control with medication, then she may need surgery. Otherwise, an echo should be performed every six to 12 months to monitor heart leakage and other parameters to ensure she is doing well on the medication. We can help slow the progression with proper treatment.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

What medication should she take? Can medication cure her condition? Are you sure she will eventually need surgery?

Answered by Dr. Mandurke Vivek Maroti

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mandurke Vivek Maroti is a well-experienced Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. His expertise includes managing hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiac care. With a patient-centered approach, he focuses on advanced heart health management and lifestyle modification to improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Maroti is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and reliable cardiac care tailored to each patient’s needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do not panic. Nowadays, science is much more advanced. We recommend ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors to reduce the load on the heart. They can delay the need for surgery by a few more years if the patient is comfortable with the medication. However, if the patient does not respond well to the medication and her heart function deteriorates, then surgery will be necessary.

If surgery is performed at the appropriate time, it typically yields very good results. She is young and has a long life ahead, so there is no need to worry. Just ensure regular follow-ups, and she will be fine. According to your history, she does not have many complaints right now, but we need to monitor her closely and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At July 29, 2016
Reviewed At September 25, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mandurke Vivek Maroti is a well-experienced Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. His expertise includes managing hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiac care. With a patient-centered approach, he focuses on advanced heart health management and lifestyle modification to improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Maroti is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and reliable cardiac care tailored to each patient’s needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mandurke Vivek Maroti is a well-experienced Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. His expertise includes managing hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiac care. With a patient-centered approach, he focuses on advanced heart health management and lifestyle modification to improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Maroti is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and reliable cardiac care tailored to each patient’s needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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