Treatments For Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Keep Blood Pressure Under Control

A blood pressure reading of higher than 120/80 is considered high. Having high blood pressure can worsen mitral valve regurgitation, and patients are advised to keep blood pressure under control. To do this, doctors recommend eating a healthy diet low in fast foods, fried foods, processed foods, and sodium. If lifestyle changes are not sufficient to keep blood pressure in a normal range, doctors may prescribe beta blockers to reduce elevated pressure. Beta blockers work by opening blood vessels to achieve better blood flow, and they also block a hormone known as adrenaline that raises blood pressure. Patients taking these medications may experience weight gain, fatigue, cold hands and feet, depression, insomnia, and shortness of breath. If side effects are bothersome, patients may be able to switch to an alternate medication. While taking beta blockers, patients will have their blood pressure monitored at regular clinic appointments, and they may also be instructed to take blood pressure readings at home.