Final answer:
Primary causes of chronic mitral regurgitation are related to structural abnormalities of the mitral valve itself, while secondary causes are factors that indirectly affect the function of the valve.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary causes of chronic mitral regurgitation are related to structural abnormalities of the mitral valve itself. These can include:
- Myxomatous degeneration: Progressive weakening and stretching of the valve tissues, leading to valve prolapse.
- Rheumatic heart disease: Resulting from a prior episode of rheumatic fever, which causes scarring and deformity of the valve leaflets.
- Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valve, leading to damage or destruction of the valve.
Secondary causes of chronic mitral regurgitation are factors that indirectly affect the function of the mitral valve. These can include:
- Ischemic heart disease: Reduced blood supply to the heart, which can weaken the heart muscle and affect the function of the valve.
- Cardiomyopathy: Weakening or enlargement of the heart muscle, which can affect the proper closure of the valve.
- Connective tissue disorders: Conditions such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which can affect the structure and function of the valve.