Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Mitral valve stenosis is a heart problem in which the mitral valve becomes stiff and doesn't open as wide as it should. This forces your heart to work harder to pump blood through the valve, which can weaken the heart and cause other problems. Nearly all cases of mitral valve stenosis are caused by rheumatic fever. This fever results from an untreated strep infection, often strep throat. But many people who have mitral valve stenosis don't realize that they had rheumatic fever. Less common causes include other health conditions and calcium buildup on the mitral valve. Symptoms may not appear until you've had mitral valve stenosis for many years. An early symptom is shortness of breath when you're active. Later in the disease, you may feel short of breath even when you're resting. You may also feel tired and weak. If you have mitral valve stenosis, your doctor may hear a heart murmur during a routine checkup. A test called an echocardiogram is used to find out for sure. You may also have an electrocardiogram, a chest X-ray, or other tests. Your doctor will check your heart regularly. Your doctor will recommend a heart-healthy lifestyle. You may take medicine to help treat or prevent other problems that can happen. If you have symptoms or severe stenosis, you may have a procedure to stretch the valve open or surgery to repair or replace the valve. Nearly all cases of mitral valve stenosis are caused by rheumatic fever, which can follow an untreated strep throat infection. But many people who have mitral valve stenosis don't realize that they had rheumatic fever. Less common causes include: Mitral valve stenosis symptoms may not happen for many years. When symptoms first appear, they usually are mild. An early symptom is shortness of breath when you're active. This shortness of breath may seem normal to you. Symptoms later in the disease may include: Mitral valve stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve fails to open as wide as it should. When this happens, not as much blood can flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Over time, mitral valve stenosis can cause the left atrium to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed valve. Mitral valve stenosis can lead to heart failure and complications such as heart rhythm problems (like atrial fibrillation), fluid buildup in the lungs, and stroke. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have: Call a doctor now if you have: 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 that 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 that you might have the disease, you may need more tests. These may include: These tests also help your doctor find what caused the stenosis and how severe it is. Treatment for mitral valve stenosis depends on how severe the disease is and if you have symptoms or other health problems from the stenosis. You and your doctor can decide what treatment is right for you. Repairing the valve can be done by: Mitral valve replacement surgery replaces the damaged valve with a new valve. You can live a full and active life by doing things that help keep your heart and body healthy. Here's how. You may choose to have the mitral valve repaired or replaced. The goal is for blood to flow more normally through the valve. This helps relieve symptoms and ease the workload on the heart. This procedure repairs the valve. A doctor uses a catheter in a blood vessel and a tiny balloon to stretch open the narrowed valve. It's less invasive than open-heart surgery. It's also called valvotomy. Valve repair surgery (commissurotomy) is typically an open-heart surgery. A surgeon removes calcium deposits and other scar tissue from the valve leaflets to widen the valve. Valve replacement surgery might be done if the valve is damaged beyond repair. A mechanical or tissue valve will be used to replace your heart valve. This surgery most often is an open-heart surgery. Current as of: July 31, 2024 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Current as of: July 31, 2024 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC 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 and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com. © 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.Mitral Valve Stenosis
Condition Basics
What is mitral valve
stenosis?
What causes
it?
What are the
symptoms?
How is it
diagnosed?
How is mitral valve
stenosis treated?
Cause
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Symptoms
What Happens
When to Call a Doctor
Exams and Tests
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Treatment Overview
Valve repair or replacement
Self-Care
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Surgery
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Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: July 31, 2024 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review BoardMitral Valve Stenosis
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.