What is the typical presentation of mitral regurgitation?

Mitral regurgitation typically presents with a holosystolic murmur, which occurs throughout the entire duration of systole due to the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This characteristic murmur is often described as "blowing" in nature, and it is best heard at the apex of the heart, often radiating toward the left axilla.

Patients with mitral regurgitation may experience dyspnea, particularly on exertion, due to volume overload in the left atrium and pulmonary circulation, which can lead to pulmonary congestion. As the condition progresses, symptoms may worsen, leading to decreased exercise tolerance and signs of heart failure.

Other options mentioned do not accurately reflect the classic findings associated with mitral regurgitation. For instance, a systolic ejection murmur usually indicates conditions such as aortic stenosis, while diastolic murmurs are characteristic of aortic or pulmonic regurgitation. Continuous murmurs suggest a condition like patent ductus arteriosus. Therefore, the signs and symptoms associated with mitral regurgitation are distinct, with the holosystolic murmur and dyspnea being key indicators of the condition’s presence and severity