A valvular heart disease, which is the narrowing of the orifice of the heart, is called mitral valve stenosis. During diastole, the mitral valve is about 5 cm2 in normal conditions, but mitral stenosis occurs when it is below 2 cm2. Do we have any idea about the prevalence of mitral valve stenosis?
The prevalence is higher in developing nations than in the United States. It is only 1 in every 100,000 in developed countries, whereas it is about 35 in every 100,000 in developing countries. It is more common in females than males, and the onset is between the third and fourth decade of life.
How Can We Define Mitral Valve Stenosis?
Valvular heart disease, which is caused by the narrowing of the mitral valve orifice of the heart, is known as mitral valve stenosis.
It is also known as mitral stenosis and occurs when the mitral valve opening is narrowed, and enough blood can not flow through it. It can lead to fatigue, difficulty breathing, blood clots, and heart failure.
What Are The Symptoms Of Mitral Valve Stenosis?
In mitral valve stenosis, pressure is built up in the heart and then sent to the lungs, and that causes fluid build-up (congestion) and shortness of breath. Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis are appeared in the age of 15-40 but can occur at any age, even in childhood.
This condition progresses slowly; sometimes, an individual may feel fine or show mild symptoms. Do we have any idea about the symptoms of mitral valve stenosis/let’s have a look at it,
- shortness of breath during activity or lie down
- fatigue during increased activity
- swollen legs or feet
- palpitations ( sensation of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat)
- Chest pain
- fainting or dizziness
- coughing up blood
- heart murmur
- fluid build up in the legs
- arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis may worsen during pregnancy or infection, which causes stress on the body.
What Are The Cause Of Mitral Valve Stenosis?
There are various causes of mitral valve stenosis. this may include:
- Rheumatic Fever: A childhood disease that causes mitral valve stenosis is rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever may result when streptococcal bacteria cause the body’s immune response to an infection. It can cause damage to the mitral valve by causing flaps to thicken or fuse.
- Calcium Deposits: When calcium deposits build up around the mitral valve, it may cause mitral valve stenosis occasionally by age.
- Radiation Therapy: When an individual is treated with radiation to the chest during certain types of cancer, it may sometimes cause the mitral valve to thicken or harden.
- Other Causes: In rare cases, it may be congenital and cause problems over time. Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, may also rarely cause mitral valve stenosis.
How Can Mitral Valve Stenosis Be Prevented?
Mitral valve stenosis can be prevented by preventing its common causes of it. We can do it by seeing our doctor for sore throat. Untreated strep throat may develop into rheumatic fever, but it can be treated very easily by antibiotics.
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