What term describes the failure of the mitral valve to close properly, resulting in backflow of blood into the left atrium?

The term that describes the failure of the mitral valve to close properly, leading to backflow of blood into the left atrium, is mitral valve regurgitation. This condition occurs when the mitral valve does not seal tightly, allowing blood to flow backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole, which is when the heart muscle contracts. This backflow can lead to volume overload in the left atrium, possibly causing symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue, and can progress to more serious heart issues if not addressed.

Mitral valve prolapse refers specifically to a condition where the valve flaps (leaflets) bulge back into the atrium when the heart contracts, which can lead to regurgitation but is not synonymous with it. Mitral valve stenosis is a narrowing of the valve that restricts blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, which is a different type of valve dysfunction. Aortic stenosis involves the narrowing of the aortic valve and does not relate to the mitral valve or its function. Therefore, mitral valve regurgitation precisely identifies the issue of inadequate closure of the mitral valve and the resulting