Frequently Asked Questions about the Mitral Valve

Cardiac surgeon Dr. James Gammie answers common questions about the mitral valve, such as what is mitral valve regurgitation, how significant it is to a person’s health to have this diagnosis, and how the mitral valve regurgitation is treated by repair or replacement surgery. #MitralValve #JohnsHopkins www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healt...
FAQ's:
0:03 What is mitral calve regurgitation?
0:55 How serious is mitral valve regurgitation
1:37 How is mitral regurgitation treated?
2:18 Why is mitral repair preferred over mitral replacement?
3:59 What should you look for in a mitral valve program?

[@jsmith4280]

Thank you for info.
The more I know the less I worry

[@kristinLB]

Are thickened mitral leaflets always stenosis? My echo said thickened leaflets with some functional abnormality and mild regurgitation. My regular doctor said it wasn’t stenosis.

[@Stardust_Truth_Seeker]

Very useful information. Thank you.

[@dr.bannerman5922]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️

[@dennislurvey3235]

I have a leaky mitral valve and a leaky tricuspid valve. but because the regurgitation is MILD (with symptoms) they won't repair it. both sides of my heart are weak because of it. My doctor says it's irreparable. Is that true and why?

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

For specific questions, we suggest connecting with your doctor.

[@dennislurvey3235]

@@JohnsHopkinsMedicine generally speaking, is mild regurgitation fixable, or not?

[@zargulkhan7]

@@dennislurvey3235 mild regurgitation is normal and does not require intervention

[@bailiesmith9439]

Mitral valve regurgitation is not treatable sadly. It worsens over time and once it gets to the point where it needs repaired they will take action. However, if you feel in your gut that something is wrong and that you are not being heard get a second opinion! Some people have symptoms some people don’t. If you develop symptoms or they worsen get an ekg. I have this condition and I work in the field. By no means am I a doctor or a surgeon but based off of my own research and experience this is what I know. Also don’t forget no smoking, mild drinking, regular cardio exercise, and healthy diet. @dennislurvey3235

[@dennislurvey3235]

@@bailiesmith9439 Mitral valves are completely treatable, repairable these days. They go down thru the esophagus or up thru the groin and use a clip or can repair the valve without opening the chest cavity. They are supposed to repair it if it is causing symptoms, no matter how little the leak. However they may lie to you and tell you it's not the valve causing the symptoms, so they don't have to fix it. They did that to me 4 times.