Severe mitral regurgitation in the presence of symptoms of congestive heart failure is usually an indication for surgery. Severe regurgitation diagnosed by echocardiography , even without symptoms, may be sufficient to warrant repair. The first thing to remember is that a surgeon can predict the likelihood of repair before surgery, but cannot guarantee it. If repair is possible, the likelihood of long-term success is good, particularly for degenerative valve disease. If a valve was damaged by rheumatic fever, the disease may progress even after the repair, making the chances of the repair holding up in the long run less.
Some surgeons are, therefore, reluctant to repair rheumatic valves.
The results of repair of mitral regurgitation associated with coronary artery disease are the most difficult of all to predict. After successful mitral valve replacement you can expect to return to your preoperative condition or better. Generally this prescription is not required in the long term unless other indications for anticoagulation such as atrial fibrillation are present. Once wounds have healed there should be few if any restrictions on a patient's activity. You will require prophylactic antibiotics as a preventive measure against infection whenever you have dental work done.