Mitral stenosis
Key points
- Mitral stenosis is a narrowing or obstruction of the opening of the mitral valve, which separates the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart.
- Symptoms usually develop between the ages of 20 and 50.
- Note: There are often no symptoms, or symptoms may appear or worsen with exercise or increase in heart rate.
- A stethoscope examination reveals a distinctive murmur, snap, or other abnormal heart sound.
Alternative names
Mitral valve obstruction
Definition
Mitral stenosis is a narrowing or obstruction of the opening of the mitral valve, which separates the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. This prevents adequate blood flow between the left atrium (upper chamber) and ventricle (lower chamber).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Mitral stenosis is a heart valve disorder. Symptoms usually develop between the ages of 20 and 50. It most commonly occurs in people who have had rheumatic fever. Since rheumatic fever rates are declining in the United States, the incidence of mitral stenosis is also decreasing. Only rarely do other disorders cause mitral stenosis.
The condition may be present from birth (congenital), but it seldom occurs as a single defect. Congenital mitral stenosis is more often part of a complex heart deformity.
Mitral stenosis prevents the valve from opening properly and obstructs the blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This narrowing can reduce the amount of blood that flows forward to the body. The atrium enlarges as pressure builds up and blood may flow back into the lungs, resulting in pulmonary edema (fluid in the lung tissue).
The main risk factor for mitral stenosis is a history of rheumatic fever. Symptoms may begin with an episode of Atrial Fibrillation or may be triggered by pregnancy or other stress on the body such as infection (in the heart, lungs, etc.) or other cardiac disorders.
Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
o During or after exercise
o When lying flat (orthopnea)
o Awakening at night with difficulty breathing - Cough
o May have blood in the sputum (hemoptysis) - Fatigue, tired easily
- Frequent respiratory infections (such as bronchitis)
- Chest discomfort (rare)
o Tight, crushing, pressure, squeezing, constricting
o Radiates to the arm, neck, jaw, or other areas
o Increases with activity, decreases with rest - Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
- Swelling of feet or ankles
Note: There are often no symptoms, or symptoms may appear or worsen with exercise or increase in heart rate.
Signs and tests
Frequently asked questions
What is mitral stenosis?
Mitral stenosis is a narrowing or obstruction of the opening of the mitral valve, which separates the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. This prevents adequate blood flow between the left atrium (upper chamber) and ventricle (lower chamber).
What are the risk factors for mitral stenosis?
Mitral stenosis is a heart valve disorder. Symptoms usually develop between the ages of 20 and 50. It most commonly occurs in people who have had rheumatic fever. Since rheumatic fever rates are declining in the United States, the incidence of mitral stenosis is also decreasing. Only rarely do other disorders cause mitral stenosis. The condition may be present from birth (congenital), but it seldom occurs as a single defect. Congenital mitral stenosis is more often part of a complex heart deformity. Mitral stenosis prevents the valve from opening properly and obstructs the blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
What are the symptoms of mitral stenosis?
- Difficulty breathing o During or after exercise o When lying flat (orthopnea) o Awakening at night with difficulty breathing
- Cough o May have blood in the sputum (hemoptysis)
- Fatigue, tired easily
- Frequent respiratory infections (such as bronchitis)
- Chest discomfort (rare) o Tight, crushing, pressure, squeezing, constricting o Radiates to the arm, neck, jaw, or other areas o Increases with activity, decreases with rest
- Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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