Q. Patients with mild mitral regurgitation?
Patients with mild mitral regurgitation and normal left ventricular size and function do well long term, However, those with severe mitral regurgitation with or without left ventricular dysfunction do not de well and their 10 year survival is less than expected to a tune of 50 - 60 per cent in different series. Higher NYHA class, low LVEF, presence of pulmonary hypertension and AF are adverse prognostic factors. Patients who undergo surgery do better and those who undergo surgery at lower NYHA class and those with preserved left ventricular function do better post operatively.