Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
- How common is mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
- What are the usual tests for mitral stenosis (narrowing of the valve, mitral stenosis)?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies to treat mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
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Definition
What is mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
Mitral valve narrowing or in medical terms is called mitral valve stenosis is a condition of narrowing of the mitral valve in the heart. This condition causes the atrium / left atrium of the heart to pump harder to flow blood to the left ventricle / chamber.
If the left atrium cannot drain the blood properly from there, the blood will return to the right side of the heart, causing a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Mitral valve narrowing, together with mitral valve regurgitation and mitral valve prolapse, are the three most common mitral valve diseases.
How common is mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
Mitral valve stenosis is a condition that is two to four times more likely to affect women than men. This condition is usually diagnosed in middle-aged and elderly patients because of the aging heart muscle and circulatory system.
You can reduce your chances of getting this disease if you avoid risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
Mild mitral valve stenosis usually won't show any symptoms. However, if it gets worse, you will experience symptoms of cardiac atrial fibrillation, or heart failure. Some of the symptoms of mitral valve stenosis are:
- Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down, which usually coincides with feeling tired. It is a sign of heart failure
- Irregular and fast heartbeat. It is a sign of cardiac atrial fibrillation
Other symptoms of mitral valve stenosis are:
- Chest pain
- Heavy cough, sometimes bloody phlegm
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Fatigue
- Respiratory tract infections (such as bronchitis)
In addition, there are also some characteristics and symptoms that are not mentioned above. If you have the same complaint, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
Call your doctor immediately if you experience sudden fatigue, difficulty breathing during a racing heart, and chest pain when you do certain physical activities. If you are diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis but don't have any symptoms, always talk to your doctor about your progress for evaluation.
Everyone has a different body reaction. Consulting a doctor is the best thing you can do.
Cause
What causes mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
As you age, residual calcium deposits build up around the mitral valve and cause mitral stenosis. Another cause of mitral valve stenosis is rheumatic fever that has occurred before but is not treated properly.
Risk factors
What increases my risk of mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
Some of the factors that may cause mitral stenosis are:
- History of rheumatic fever
- Untreated throat infection
The absence of a risk does not mean that you are free from the possibility of this condition. The features and symptoms listed are for reference only. You need to consult a doctor for more information.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
If you experience symptoms of intermediate mitral valve stenosis without symptoms, your doctor will ask you to do so check-up regularly to monitor the progress of your condition.
If symptoms appear, the doctor will prescribe diuretics (drugs that stimulate urination), nitrates, beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.
Surgery can only be performed if the narrowing of the mitral valve is too severe and medicines are not working properly. The operations performed can be in the form of:
- Balloon dilation of the mitral valve (also called valvuloplasty)
- Mitral valve repair or replacement surgery
What are the usual tests for mitral stenosis (narrowing of the valve, mitral stenosis)?
The doctor can make the diagnosis by listening to the sound of the heart beating using a stethoscope. Blood flowing abnormally through the mitral valve will produce an elongated echo / murmur. The location and timing of the sound will help the doctor determine which part of the valve is affected.
Your doctor may also ask you to do a sonography of the heart (echocardiography), a heart X-ray and an EKG (electrocardiography) to confirm the diagnosis.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies to treat mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve)?
Some of the healthy lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with mitral valve stenosis are:
- Get routine check-up in a timely manner to monitor the progress of your disease and health conditions
- Always follow the advice given by your doctor and take medication as directed
- Watch your teeth. Brush your teeth and floss regularly, and don't forget to see a doctor for a check-up. If you have a tooth infection, treat it immediately.
- Change your eating habits, limit salt intake (don't add salt to your diet)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Cut down on caffeine consumption
- Get regular exercise
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.