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 Profile
Dr Jose Poulose
The only proven treatment for mitral regurgitation is surgery, although medication may temporarily decrease symptoms. There are two symptoms that predicate mitral valve surgery: falling ejection fraction and dilation (increased diameter) of the left ventricle.
Patients with mitral regurgitation in which the left ventricle has already decompensated or who cannot undergo surgery for other reasons (e.g., severe lung disease, advanced cancer) may be treated with several medications to decrease symptoms. These medications may include the following:
Diuretics. By decreasing the amount of salt and fluid in the body, diuretics decrease the amount of fluid that accumulates in the lungs and causes breathing problems. The diuretic most commonly prescribed for mitral regurgitation is furosemide (Lasix®). Furosemide is usually taken one or two times a day at doses of as little as 20 mg daily to doses up to 200 mg twice a day or more. A newer diuretic, indapamide (Lozol®), is usually prescribed at a dose of 2.5-5 mg daily. Sometimes, two diuretics are prescribed simultaneously. Together, they may have a synergistic effect on the kidney, increasing salt and fluid excretion.
Besides causing frequent urination, the main side effect of these medications is excretion of potassium in the urine, which may lower the level of potassium in the blood. Because of this, the doctor may periodically check potassium level; if it is low, he or she may prescribe a potassium supplement.
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