Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of mitral regurgitation as follows:
- Chest pain and discomfort: Pumping of blood through defective valves in the heart demands extra effort by the heart muscle. This increased workload on the heart can result in demand for extra blood and oxygen supply. As, blood and oxygen supply to heart muscle is already compromised in individuals with valvular disorders, any extra demand can result in chest pain and discomfort. In severe cases, individuals can even present with an episode of myocardial infarction or heart attack, damaging the heart muscle further.
- Compromised end organ function: Progressively reduced blood supply to the end organs, such as, brain, heart, lung, stomach, and kidneys, can result in deterioration of overall function of these organs. Individuals with history of stroke, renal failure, and heart attack, can be at increased risk for symptoms of compromised organ function.
- Increased weakness and fatigue: Reduced blood supply to the muscles can result in reduced oxygen supply to the muscle, thus leading to muscle pain, fatigue, and reduced endurance to activity.
