Mitral valve stenosis is the narrowing of the mitral valve of the heart where it does not open properly, causing blockage of blood flow into the main pumping chamber of the heart which is the left-side ventricle. Mitral valve stenosis makes the person tired and there is shortness of breath. The primary reason why mitral valve stenosis occurs is rheumatic fever.
Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis
- Experiencing fatigue during an increased physical activity
- There is shortness of breath when doing some exertion and when lying down
- The feet or legs are swollen
- Heavy coughing and sometimes the sputum have spots of blood
- Chest pain and discomfort
- There is a sensation of rapid, fluttering heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Experiencing dizziness or fainting, severe headache, difficulty in speaking and other indications of stroke
The symptoms of mitral valve stenosis can become worse anytime the heartbeat is elevated like during exercises. In mitral valve stenosis, the pressure that accumulates within the heart is driven back to the lungs that will result to congestion and there is shortness of breath. The symptoms usually happen between the ages 30 and 50 but they can happen at any age or even childhood. You can learn more about this condition if you will enroll in a first aid class today.
Causes of mitral valve stenosis
- Rheumatic fever is the most common cause of mitral valve stenosis and it can damage the mitral valve by causing the coverings to thicken. Signs and symptoms of mitral valve stenosis cannot appear for years.
- As the person age, some calcium deposits can accumulate around the ring in the mitral valve or annulus that can sometimes trigger mitral valve stenosis.
- In rare cases, some babies born with a narrowed mitral valve or congenital defect can cause problems in the future.
An insufficiently treated mitral valve stenosis can result to certain complications such as the following:
- A narrowed mitral valve interrupts flow of blood and will cause build-up of pressure in the lungs and result to accumulation of fluid. The build-up of fluid will strain the right side of the heart and will cause right heart failure.
- Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where there is an increased pressure in the arteries that function in carrying blood from the heart to the lungs or pulmonary arteries causing the heart to beat faster.
- The build-up of pressure of mitral valve stenosis can cause enlargement of the upper left chamber of the heart or atrium.
Treatment and home remedies
- Take care of the teeth by brushing and flossing and visit the dentist regularly.
- Minimize using salt on foods and drinks since it can cause an increase of pressure on the heart.
- Maintain a healthy weight within the range advised by the doctor.
- Avoid caffeine since it can aggravate the irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias.
- If there are frequent palpitations or feeling the heart is racing, seek a medical help.
- Minimize alcohol and perform exercises regularly, but it will depend on the severity of the condition and the type of exercise to be done.
- Visit the doctor regularly.