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First Responders and Mitral Regurgitation | Brandon First Responders Workers' Compensation Benefits Lawyer

I am currently representing a Florida First responder with mitral regurgitation. What is it and is it covered under Florida's Heart and Lung Act?

Mitral regurgitation is the incomplete closing of the mitral valve causing flow from the left ventricle into the left atrium.  The causes of mtiral regurgitation are a mitral valve prolapse, ischemic changes, or rheumatic fever.

Acute mitral regurgitation can cause acute pulmonary edema and shock or sudden cardiac death. Complications include gradual enlargement of the left atrium, enlargement and hypertrophy, and heart infection. Acute MR can require emergency or mitral valve repair or replacement.

A cardiologist will make the diagnosis based on echocardiography together with an ECG and chest x-rays.

Is this covered by the Florida Heart and Lung Act? If the mitral valve prolapse is congenital (as it is  mostly), then the first responder presumption is probably overcome and the condition is not compensable.

If you have any questions about your Florida First Responder workers' compensation case, call Florida workers' compensation attorney Nancy Cavey at 727-894-3188.