Mitral stenosis is a heart valve disorder characterized by the narrowing (stenosis) of the mitral valve, which obstructs the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle of the heart. This narrowing of the valve reduces the amount of blood that can flow through the valve, leading to increased pressure within the left atrium and decreased blood flow to the left ventricle.
Causes and Types
Mitral stenosis can be classified into several types based on its underlying cause:- Rheumatic mitral stenosis: This is the most common cause of mitral stenosis worldwide and is caused by damage to the mitral valve due to rheumatic fever, an inflammatory condition resulting from untreated streptococcal infections.
- Congenital mitral stenosis: Present at birth, this type of mitral stenosis is typically due to abnormalities in the structure or development of the mitral valve.
- Acquired mitral stenosis: This type of mitral stenosis occurs as a result of other conditions or factors that affect the mitral valve, such as infective endocarditis, mitral valve calcification, or certain autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mitral stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing and how quickly it develops. Common symptoms may include:- Fatigue or weakness, especially during physical activity.
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying flat (orthopnea).
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats.
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina), especially during physical activity.
- Fainting (syncope), particularly during exertion or when changing position.
- Reduced exercise tolerance.
- Swelling of the ankles, feet, or abdomen (edema), due to fluid retention.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of mitral stenosis may involve a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests (including blood tests and cardiac biomarkers), imaging tests (such as echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography [TEE], cardiac MRI, or cardiac CT scan), and cardiac catheterization.Treatment
Treatment for mitral stenosis aims to relieve symptoms, improve heart function, and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment options may include:- Medications: Medications to manage symptoms (such as diuretics for fluid retention), improve heart function (such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers), and prevent complications (such as anticoagulants to reduce the risk of blood clots).
- Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty: Minimally invasive procedure to widen the narrowed mitral valve using a balloon catheter.
- Surgical interventions: Surgical procedures, such as mitral valve repair or mitral valve replacement, may be necessary to treat severe or symptomatic mitral stenosis.