Mitral stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve in the heart. This valve is located between the atrium (upper chamber) and the ventricle (lower pumping chamber) of the left side of the heart. Blood must flow from the atrium, through the mitral valve, and into the ventricle before being pumped out into the rest of the body. Mitral stenosis results in inadequate blood flow between the two left chambers, and therefore too little blood and oxygen being pumped throughout the body.
The most common cause of mitral stenosis is rheumatic fever , which scars the mitral valve. A less common cause is a congenital defect, usually part of a complex of multiple heart defects present at birth. Very rare causes include blood clots, tumors, or other growths that block blood flow through the mitral valve.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The main risk factor for mitral stenosis is rheumatic fever. Other risk factors include:
Symptoms may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may be alerted to mitral stenosis by the following:
Tests may include:
If you have mitral stenosis, you will need antibiotics when you have certain infections (eg, beta-strep infections, usually of the throat) or are having procedures (such as dental work) that may put you at risk for heart infections. This will help prevent further damage to your heart.
If you have mild mitral stenosis, your condition will need to be monitored, but may not need immediate treatment for symptoms associated with mitral stenosis. When symptoms become more severe, you may need to limit exertion and avoid high-salt foods. In addition, treatments may include:
Drugs may be prescribed to treat specific symptoms associated with mitral stenosis. These medications include:
Common types of heart valve surgery include:
If you are diagnosed with mitral stenosis, follow your doctor's instructions .
Most cases of mitral stenosis can be prevented by preventing rheumatic fever:
In addition, there are several things you can do to try to avoid some of the complications of mitral stenosis:
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca/home/index_e.aspx
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
References:
Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.
Mitral stenosis. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamicmedical.com/dynamed.nsf . Accessed October 13, 2005.
Shipton B and Wahba H. Valvular heart disease: review and update. Am Fam Physician . 20011;63:2201.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Michael J. Fucci, DO
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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