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Mitral Valve Stenosis - Overview
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Overview
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Health Tools
- FAQs
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Increases Your Risk
- When to Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Ongoing Concerns
- Living With Mitral Valve Stenosis
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
What is mitral valve stenosis?
Mitral valve stenosis is a heart problem in which the mitral valve doesn't open as wide as it should. It is a lifelong disease.
When you first develop it, you most likely have no symptoms and notice no change in your health. Symptoms develop over 10 to 20 years or more. Mitral valve stenosis can lead to heart failure, a stroke, an infection in the heart (endocarditis), or a fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat (arrhythmia).
How does the mitral valve work?
Your heart has four chambers and four valves. The valves have flaps, or leaflets. The flaps open and close to keep blood flowing in the proper direction through your heart.
The mitral valve connects the heart's upper-left chamber (left atrium) to the lower-left chamber (left ventricle). When the heart pumps, blood forces the flaps open, and blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Between heartbeats, the flaps close tightly so that blood does not leak backward through the valve.
See a picture of the
heart and its chambers, valves, and blood flow 
.
See a picture of an
open and closed mitral valve .
With mitral valve stenosis, the mitral valve becomes stiff or scarred, or the valve flaps become partially joined together. The valve doesn't open as widely as it should. As a result, not as much blood can flow into the left ventricle. More blood stays in the left atrium, and blood may back up into the lungs.
See a picture of
mitral valve stenosis .
What causes mitral valve stenosis?
Nearly all cases of mitral valve stenosis are caused by rheumatic fever. This fever results from an untreated strep infection, most often strep throat. But many people who have mitral valve stenosis don't realize they had rheumatic fever.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms do not usually develop for 10 to 20 years after stenosis starts, and they may take as long as 40 years to develop. After you develop symptoms, they may not become severe for another 3 to 10 years.
When symptoms first appear, they usually are mild. You may only have a few symptoms, even if your mitral valve is very narrow. An early symptom is shortness of breath when you are active. This shortness of breath may seem normal to you.
Later in the disease, symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath even when you have not been very active or when you are resting.
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Pounding of the heart (palpitations).
Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms.
How is mitral valve stenosis diagnosed?
Mitral valve stenosis may not be diagnosed until you've had the disease for some time. If you don't have symptoms, the first clue might be a heart murmur your doctor hears during a routine checkup.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your past health and do a physical exam. If your doctor thinks you might have the disease, he or she may do more tests, which may include:
- An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). This test can check for problems with your heart rhythm.
- An echocardiogram. This ultrasound test lets your doctor see a picture of your heart, including the mitral valve.
- A chest X-ray. This shows your heart and lungs and can help your doctor find the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath.
These tests also help your doctor find what caused the stenosis and how severe it is.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on how severe the disease and your symptoms are.
- You'll probably need only regular checkups if you have mild or no symptoms.
- You may need medicines if your symptoms bother you or concern your doctor.
- You may need your mitral valve repaired or replaced if you have severe symptoms, your valve is very narrow, or you are at risk for other problems, such as heart failure.
You will likely need regular echocardiograms so your doctor can check for any changes in your mitral valve and heart.
Talk to your doctor about your activity and exercise. If your stenosis is mild, you'll probably be able to do your usual activities, get mild exercise, and play some sports. But if your stenosis is moderate or severe, it’s best to avoid intense activity or exercise. Your doctor can help you choose the right type of activity or exercise.
Talk to your doctor about how much sodium you can eat. Sodium causes your body to hold extra water. This can make shortness of breath, tiredness, and other symptoms worse.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 10, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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