Mild Mitral Valve Leakage

How serious is this condition?  Does it need to be repaired?

[mas2782]

completely depends on the cause and amount of leakage. Generally, leakage has to be "moderate to severe" for a cardiac surgeon to consider repair/replacement.

Also, I have read and heard that anywhere from 10-30% of the population demonstrates some level of mitral valve regurgitation (leakage).

[Momto3]

Yep, depends entirely on the severity of the regurgitation and symptoms.  What degree of regurgitation do you have?  What has your doctor said about the condition?

[Barbarella]

You said "mild" mitral valve leagage.  I have "mild" and the Cardiologist told me I need no follow up.  My husband has "mild" and he was told by another Cardiologist "no follow up".  Our daughter was diagnosed with "mild" mitral valve leakage two yrs ago and her Cardiologist said "no follow up".

[Momto3]

Oooops!!  Good catch Barbarela!!  I missed the "mild" in the subject line.  I can't imagine you would need any intervention for mild mitral regurgitation.  If you become symptomatic, be sure to let your doctor know.

[Paty9600]

I was told I had mild MVP in 1995 after having been rushed to hospital with a cardiac attack that took an hours to bring under control. I have been given meds to take when I do get the attacks to bring my heart back into pase. My surgent has told me to think about future surgery better earlyer in life than waiting till heart is not as strong later in life and insted of a fix it might have to be a replacenent.....and although I get the fatige, the occasional cardiac attack and shortness of breath especially when stressed, overworked or sudern changes of temperature in my boddy (like in the shower)...I was still told I have Mild Mitral Valve Prolapse. When I get the attacks I fill that I reach my body limits....I think you can have mild without symptoms or mild with symptoms....could this be the difference in looking into future surgery or letting it be?

[Paty9600]

My surgent mentioned that if it is only repair it might be able to be done with keyhole surgery instead of openheart....this is another reason why not to let it go till you are old.....is this true...is keyhole an option now?