Tag Archives: mitral regurgitation

Introduction In western populations, mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second most common valvular heart disorder, after aortic stenosis, with a reported prevalence of approximately 2%. This prevalence increases with age and affects up to 10% of those over the age of 75.1,2 Severe MR tends to run an insidious yet malignant course and, without intervention, confers a poor prognosis. Untreated, it is associated with progressive left ventricular remodelling, and ultimately dysfunction, resulting in increased morbidity and an annual mortality rate of 5%.3-5 Mitral valve surgery (MVS), typically mitral valve repair (MVr), for severe degenerative MR

Introduction Dr Mamta Buch, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust Mitral regurgitation (MR) is increasingly prevalent in developed countries and represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. It affects 24% of adults with valvular heart disease and is present in 7% of the population over the age of 75 years.1,2 Significant MR is a complex condition and, left untreated, it leads to slow progressive deterioration. Up to 50% of patients with criteria for surgical intervention are not referred for surgery, largely due to advanced age, significant comorbidities and the presence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunctio

ENHANCE controversy dominates meeting The controversial ENHANCE (Ezetimibe and Simvastatin in Hypercholesterolaemia Enhances Atherosclerosis Regression) trial of ezetimibe dominated the ACC meeting, with a special session held to discuss the results, which were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The 720-patient trial showed no benefit of ezetimibe when added to simvastatin 80 mg in slowing the progression of atherosclerosis in the carotid artery (as measured by intima media thickness (IMT) in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), despite the fact that there were significantly greater reductions in lo

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