The evaluation of mitral regurgitation begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with mitral regurgitation may include:

• Heart murmur
• Arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation
• Rapid pulse
• Irregular pulse
• Signs of congestive heart failure:
• Distension of the veins in the neck
• High blood pressure
• Lungs may sound congested when listening with a stethoscope
• Leg swelling (bilateral)

Tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of mitral regurgitation.

Tests that may be used to evaluate mitral regurgitation include:

• Chest x-ray
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Exercise stress test
• Cardiac catheterization
• Echocardiogram

Less commonly used tests for mitral regurgitation:

• MRI scan of the heart:
• Shows detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries
• SPECT scanning of the heart:
• Detects blood flow abnormalities to heart muscle
• Thallium heart scan
• Coronary artery CT scanning:
• Checks for possible obstructions in the coronary arteries