What is the most common cause of mitral regurgitation in elderly patients?

The correct answer is that the most common cause of mitral regurgitation in elderly patients is a calcified mitral annulus. As individuals age, the mitral valve can undergo degenerative changes, one of which is the calcification of the annulus. This process reduces the structural integrity of the valve and can lead to incomplete closure during systole, resulting in regurgitation.

Calcification often leads to a stiffening of the valve structure, which can impair normal function. In elderly patients, this condition is increasingly prevalent due to age-related degenerative changes, making it a significant contributor to mitral regurgitation. As such, it is crucial to recognize this as a common cause of heart murmurs and potential heart failure in this demographic, especially given that mitral regurgitation may remain asymptomatic for an extended period before presenting with overt clinical signs.

While other conditions such as rheumatic fever, mitral valve prolapse, and endocarditis can cause mitral regurgitation, they are less common in the elderly population. Rheumatic fever is more frequently seen in younger patients or those with a history of streptococcal infection. Mitral valve prolapse also tends to manifest in a younger demographic. Endocard