Risk factors

Several factors can increase your risk of mitral valve regurgitation, including:

• A history of mitral valve prolapse or mitral valve stenosis. However, having either condition doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop mitral valve regurgitation. A family history of valve disease also can increase risk.
• A heart attack. A heart attack can damage your heart, affecting the function of the mitral valve.
• Heart disease. Certain forms of heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, can lead to mitral valve regurgitation.
• Use of certain medications. People who take drugs containing ergotamine (Cafergot, Migergot) and similar medicines for migraines or who take cabergoline have an increased risk of mitral regurgitation. Similar problems were noted with the appetite suppressants fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, which are no longer sold.
• Infections such as endocarditis or rheumatic fever. Infections or the inflammation they cause can damage the mitral valve.
• Congenital heart disease. Some people are born with an abnormal mitral valve prone to regurgitation.
• Age. By middle age, many people have some mitral valve regurgitation caused by natural deterioration of the valve.