Does a heart block worsen moderate mitral regurgitation?
Patient: i have been diagnosed with mild to moderate mitral regurgitation. i have a lot of symptoms though; i.e. shortness of breath (especially when i lay down). my heart feels like it skips a beat too - my cardiologist told me that i have a heart block (that it s not serious). my question is whether the heart block, even mild, related to the mitral regurgitation and will it make it worse? Doctor: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, heart block of any degree and severity can worsen mitral regurgitation. Your current symptom(shortness of breath more in lying down) is mostly due to early heart failure. And heart block is the likely cause for this. If we don't treat heart blocks at present then your heart failure will progress and show more symptoms like edema feet, breathlessness on rest etc. So better to consult senior cardiologist and discuss all these. You may need pacemaker insertion for heart block. Don't worry, you will be alright with appropriate treatment. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.