Evolution of functional mitral regurgitation and prognosis in medically managed heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess whether medical management may alter the severity of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and its prognosis in patients who have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Background FMR in patients who have HFrEF is associated with a worse prognosis. It is uncertain to what extent medical management may alter the severity of FMR and its prognosis. Methods The extent of FMR was assessed at baseline and after a median follow-up period of 50 months in 163 consecutive HFrEF patients (left ventricular ejection fraction  Results A total of 50 (31%) patients had severe MR at baseline. During the follow-up period, 38% of the severe FMR patients showed an improvement to nonsevere FMR (MR grade  Conclusions Severe FMR was successfully treated with medication in almost 40% and was associated with prevention of left ventricular adverse remodeling and with an improved long-term prognosis.