What is the most common valvular disorder in pregnancy and among women?

The most common valvular disorder in pregnancy and among women is mitral regurgitation. This condition occurs when the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, does not close tightly. As a result, blood can leak backward into the atrium when the ventricle contracts, leading to a volume overload on the heart.

During pregnancy, cardiovascular changes occur, including an increase in blood volume and cardiac output. These changes can exacerbate existing valvular heart conditions, making mitral regurgitation particularly prominent. It is crucial to recognize that mitral regurgitation is often well tolerated in pregnant women, and most can have successful pregnancies without significant complications, especially if they have no other underlying heart issues.

In contrast, aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, and tricuspid regurgitation do not occur with the same frequency during pregnancy. Aortic stenosis can pose risks during pregnancy due to potential exertion, but it is less common among the general population, including women. Mitral stenosis is less prevalent than mitral regurgitation and typically presents with more health complications. Tricuspid regurgitation is often a result of right heart dysfunction or dilation and is