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Mitral Valve Stenosis

Mitral Valve Stenosis is a disease of the valve of the heart, where there is narrowing of the Mitral valve.

During the heart’s normal function, the mitral valve opens during contraction of the left atrium of the Heart. As a result of the contraction, blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle

Mitral stenosis is known as a narrowing of the mitral valve. Stenosis occurs when the valve doesn’t open completely. This blocks or slows the progress of blood through the chambers of the heart.

Mitral stenosis can cause you to feel tired, and short of breath. If untreated, it can cause more stress on the heart and additional complications in the future.

There are 4 main valves in the Heart:

1.)  Tricuspid Valve
2.)  Pulmonary Valve
3.)  Mitral Valve
4.)  Aortic Valve

Causes

–  Rheumatic fever history
–  Papillary muscle dysfunction
–  Calcification on the valve
–  Acterial Endocarditis

Symptoms

–  Cardiac murmur
–  Edema – swelling in the feet
–  Atrial fibrillation
–  Fatigue
–  Headache
–  Shortness of breath
–  Dizziness
–  Fainting
–  Chest discomfort
–  Chest pain

Diagnosis

1.) Echocardiography/Doppler is essential to confirm the diagnosis
2.) EKG to see Atrial fibrillation

Treatment

  –  Warfarin – if atrial fibrillation is present
–  Surgery to repair valve (occurs rarely)
–  Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty