Mitral Valve Regurgitation and Exercise (2024)

FAQs

Mitral Valve Regurgitation and Exercise? ›

If you have mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation (MR) and do not have symptoms, you likely do not have to limit your physical activity. If you do have symptoms or if you have irregular heart rhythms or changes in your heart size or function, you may need to be cautious about physical activity.

As in functional MR, degenerative MR due to mitral valve prolapse can be dynamic and markedly increases during exercise in >30% of patients. Changes in MR severity are associated with exercise-induced changes in systolic PAP and with reduced symptom-free survival.

If you have moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, avoid high-intensity strength training. If you have moderate or severe aortic stenosis, stick to low-intensity programs. Ask your health care provider if these restrictions apply to you. Remember: Avoid straining or holding your breath when lifting.

While exercise cannot directly repair structural damage to heart valves, it can improve the overall functioning of the heart. This may support the management of heart valve disease. The primary goal of exercise for heart valve disease is to improve heart function, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and alleviate symptoms.

The worsening of a mitral valve regurgitation case is often caused by a gradual reshaping of the valve as blood continues to leak. While many people with mitral regurgitation experience a worsening of their condition and related symptoms, some patients may also see a spontaneous improvement.

Cerebral embolic events, endocarditis or sudden death were rare and not different between groups. Conclusions: In patients with mitral valve prolapse without mitral regurgitation at rest, exercise provokes mitral regurgitation in 32% of patients and predicts a higher risk for morbid events.

If your doctor prescribes medicines to treat your mitral valve prolapse, you should take them as directed and avoid stimulants such as caffeine and cigarettes. Medicines can be used to: Control irregular or fast heartbeats.

Reduce salt, sugar, and alcohol intake. Avoid processed foods, specifically processed meat, e.g., sausage, ham, and bacon. Avoid saturated fat, including animal fat, coconut, and palm oils.

What is the best exercise for mitral valve regurgitation? ›

Living With a Leaky Heart Valve

Not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight are just as important for people with leaky heart valves as for other people. Regular follow-up with a doctor, even when there are no symptoms, can ensure a leaky heart valve does not cause problems that could be avoided.

Fluid buildup will make you feel tired, sluggish, and short of breath. You may even have a hard time breathing at night. Some people must sleep upright or propped up with pillows if they retain too much fluid in their lungs.

Lifting heavier loads comes with a larger spike in blood pressure that can overload faulty valves, she says. During your exercises, exhale during the “hard” part and inhale during the “easy” part to regulate blood pressure.

Valves that do not fully open

So, a greater force is required to force the blood through the body. This also adds to the strain on the heart.

Mitral valve regurgitation progresses slowly in some people and more quickly in others. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the progression of your condition and how often you need to be monitored. They can also tell you how the condition may impact your life expectancy.

This is called “functional” mitral valve regurgitation, as the structure of the mitral valve itself remains normal. Successful weight loss reduces blood volume, heart size, mitral annular size and reduces blood pressure.