Mitral regurgitation means the valve between the left upper and lower heart chambers doesn’t seal, so blood leaks backward. Mild leaks are silent; bigger ones shout through your lungs and energy level.

Shortness of breath is the star. You puff climbing one flight of stairs or can’t finish a sentence while walking.

Fatigue creeps in. Legs feel heavy, and you need to sit after light chores that used to be easy.

Night-time cough or wheezing shows up. Fluid backs up into the lungs, so you wake up gasping or need extra pillows.

Heart flutter or skipped beats are common. You feel a sudden flip-flop or notice your pulse is irregular.

Visible neck veins may throb. The pulse in the side of your neck bobs even when you’re sitting still.

Late signs include ankle swelling, rapid weight gain from fluid, or chest pain—an alarm that the heart is working too hard.