Mitral Regurgitation also known as mitral insufficiency or mitral incompetence is a disorder affecting the mitral valve of the heart. The cusps or flaps of the mitral valve do not seal tightly in this condition and causes a backflow of blood through the mitral valve from the left ventricle to the let atrium of the heart. The heart valve in this state is referred to as a leaky valve. http://www.heart-consult.com

Patients with a biological valve may need replacement valve of 10-15 years. Mechanical valves may also fail, so patients should inform their doctor if they have symptoms of valve insufficiency. Patients with mechanical valves must take blood-thinning medication at the end of their lives. Because these medicines increase the risk of bleeding in the body, you should always be used in medical notification bracelet and the doctor or dentist that you are taking anticoagulant medicine. Even if you take anticoagulant medication, you should always inform your doctor and dentist to have had valve surgery. If you have any surgery or dentistry, you should take antibiotics before the procedure. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream during these procedures. If bacteria enter the repair or artificial heart valves, can lead to a serious condition called bacterial endocarditis. Antibiotics can prevent bacterial endocarditis. http://www.insideheart.com/

Methods for Mitral Valve Repair: Annuloplasty:In annuloplasty an artificial ring is placed around the annulus of the valve.This ring reinforces the annulus and restores the valve to its normal shape and size. Balloon Valvuloplasty:Balloon valvuloplasty is performed using a catheter, i.e. a very thin flexible tube which can be inserted into the body, with a balloon at the end. The balloon is put inside the valve and is expanded thus stretching the valve and bringing it back to its normal size. For more info: heart-consult.com/articles