Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Causes

The mitral valve is a complex structure made up of the valve flaps (leaflets). There are fibers that support those leaflets (chordae tendineae or just chords) and papillary muscles that support the chords. Abnormalities or damage to any of these structures can cause mitral valve regurgitation.

The most common cause of mitral valve regurgitation is mitral valve prolapse, which is when part of the mitral valve slips back into the left atrium when the left ventricle squeezes (contracts) during a heartbeat. Mitral valve prolapse doesn’t always lead to regurgitation. In fact, many people who have mitral valve prolapse never develop severe leaking of the mitral valve. Also, some children are born with a cleft ("hole") in one of the mitral valve leaflets that causes the regurgitation.

Improving Patient Care

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is the leading nonprofit medical society representing invasive and interventional cardiology. Founded in 1978, SCAI’s mission is to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality patient care. 

SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. For more than 40 years, SCAI has personified professional excellence and innovation globally, fostering a trusted community of more than 4,500 members dedicated to medical advancement and lifesaving care for adults and children with cardiovascular disease.  

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions®

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