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Mitral valve stenosis
- See a cardiac specialist within 24 hours
- Ranked no.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- 99% of cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
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Mitral valve stenosis at HCA UK
Why choose us?
If you’re worried about your heart health, we can help. We’re the UK’s No.1 for private cardiac care and treat more than 36,000 patients each year.
We offer fast access to our heart specialists, whose unrivalled experience is backed by the state-of-the-art diagnostics to accurately diagnose your symptoms and condition, and recommend the most effective form of treatment.
Our network of modern facilities includes five cardiac centres and six cardiac theatres, where our leading surgeons carry out the latest minimally invasive procedures, including mitral valve repairs and replacements, and conventional open-heart surgery. With a 99% surgery success rate, you can be confident you’re in safe hands.
We offer fast access to our heart specialists, whose unrivalled experience is backed by the state-of-the-art diagnostics to accurately diagnose your symptoms and condition, and recommend the most effective form of treatment.
Our network of modern facilities includes five cardiac centres and six cardiac theatres, where our leading surgeons carry out the latest minimally invasive procedures, including mitral valve repairs and replacements, and conventional open-heart surgery. With a 99% surgery success rate, you can be confident you’re in safe hands.
The mitral valve is one of the heart’s four valves and is located on the left side of your heart. It’s situated between the top chamber of the heart (atrium) and the bottom chamber of the heart (ventricle). It’s a one-way valve that controls blood flow, ensuring it moves in the correct direction. It has two flaps that open to allow oxygenated blood to flow from the atrium to the ventricle. The flaps then close when the ventricle contracts to prevent blood from leaking back.
Mitral stenosis occurs when your mitral valve becomes thickened or calcified due to a build-up of calcium and doesn't open as widely it should. As a result, the blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle is reduced.
There are a number of causes of mitral stenosis. They include rheumatic fever, valve degeneration through age-related wear and tear, and congenital mitral stenosis (when you’re born with an abnormal mitral heart valve).
Mitral valve stenosis usually worsens slowly over time. You may not have many symptoms, or you may experience mild symptoms for many years.
The most common symptoms of mitral valve stenosis, include:
- Shortness of breath, especially when you’re active or when you lie down
- Feeling tired or weak
- Feeling dizzy or fainting
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Swollen feet or legs
- A cough that may sometimes produce blood
When you meet with one of our cardiologists, they’ll take the time to talk to you about your medical history and symptoms, and listen to your heart with a stethoscope. They’ll also refer you for tests and scans, as these allow them to look at the heart and how it is functioning in more detail.
The tests and scans we offer at HCA UK to diagnose mitral valve stenosis include a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart's electrical activity and heartbeat, and an echocardiogram to assess any issues on the inside of the heart.
The tests and scans we offer at HCA UK to diagnose mitral valve stenosis include a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart's electrical activity and heartbeat, and an echocardiogram to assess any issues on the inside of the heart.
36,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year
99%
Success rate across all cardiac surgery
250+
Cardiology consultants for you to choose from
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Choose from 5 hospitals and 15 diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
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Have a referral and need to book?
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TESTS AND SCANS FOR MITRAL VALVE STENOSIS AT HCA UK
A fast, accurate diagnosis
At HCA UK, our leading private hospitals and outpatient centres are equipped with state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic technology. To provide you with an accurate diagnosis, our cardiologists may refer you for one or more of the following:
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
TREATMENTS FOR MITRAL VALVE STENOSIS AT HCA UK
Expert care when you need it
At HCA UK, we offer a wide range of treatments for mitral valve stenosis. The treatment you’ll need will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Your consultant will carefully tailor treatment to you.
Treatment options include:
Treatment options include:
- Medication to control symptoms
- Ongoing monitoring of the condition
- Balloon valvuloplasty (mitral valve repair)
- Mitral valve replacement
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Mitral valve stenosis FAQs
Thankfully, it’s not very common in the UK. This is because the main cause of mitral valve stenosis used to be rheumatic fever and cases have dropped significantly in the UK since the 1960s due to the widespread use of antibiotics.
The most common cause today is degeneration, where the valve becomes thickened and bony due to wear and tear. It’s also possible to be born with an abnormal mitral valve. This is called congenital mitral stenosis.
The most common cause today is degeneration, where the valve becomes thickened and bony due to wear and tear. It’s also possible to be born with an abnormal mitral valve. This is called congenital mitral stenosis.
To reduce your risk, it’s important to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. We recommend that you follow these steps to improve your heart health:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet: Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, poultry, fish, and whole grains. Try to avoid food containing saturated and trans fat. Cut down on salt and sugar.
- Exercise regularly: Your consultant will advise you on the best exercise for your symptoms and the severity of your condition.
- Maintain a healthy weight: If you’re overweight, losing weight can relieve pressure on your heart by helping to lower blood pressure and the risk of complications. Your consultant will advise you on what your ideal weight should be.
- Stop smoking and reduce your alcohol intake: It’s important that you stop smoking. Your GP or consultant will be able to provide advice on this. You should also cut down on alcohol and reduce your intake to the recommended weekly guidelines.
- Get plenty of sleep: It’s important to try and maintain a good sleep pattern, as poor sleep may increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Try to go to bed and wake at the same time every day, including on weekends, and aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
- See your GP: If you notice any heart symptoms, it’s best to get them checked as soon as possible. If you have an existing heart condition, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you should take any medicine prescribed by your doctor and make sure you attend any follow-up appointments.
We use a number of different medicines. Your consultant will recommend the best medicine(s) for your symptoms. They may include:
- Diuretics (water pills) to reduce fluid build-up in your lungs or other areas of the body.
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) to help prevent blood clots if you have atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat).
- Beta blockers or other heart medicines to slow your heart rate.
- Antiarrhythmic medication to treat irregular heartbeats.
- Antibiotics to prevent a return of rheumatic fever (if that's what damaged the mitral valve).
Like all medicines, the medicines we use to treat mitral valve stenosis can cause side effects. Your consultant will always explain the side effects to you and why they believe medicine is the best way to treat your mitral valve stenosis. They’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
It's common to have mild heart valve stenosis that does not cause any issues, but for some people it can lead to serious health problems. It’s important to get any symptoms checked by your GP or a cardiologist as soon as possible, so they can confirm a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment for you.
If you’re worried about your symptoms, we can get you a same- or next-day appointment with one of our private GPs. If needed, our GP can provide a fast referral to our UK-wide network of leading cardiologists and state-of-the-art imaging services.
If you’re worried about your symptoms, we can get you a same- or next-day appointment with one of our private GPs. If needed, our GP can provide a fast referral to our UK-wide network of leading cardiologists and state-of-the-art imaging services.
This minimally invasive procedure is carried out to repair the mitral valve. Your consultant uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter with a tiny balloon in the end. The catheter is introduced into a blood vessel, usually in the groin, and is guided to the mitral valve. The balloon is inflated, widening the mitral valve opening. The balloon is then deflated and both the balloon and the catheter are removed.
If your mitral valve can't be repaired, your consultant may recommend surgery to replace the damaged valve. During the operation, the existing mitral valve is removed and replaced by either a metal or tissue valve (made from cow or pig tissue).
Mitral valve surgery can be a minimally invasive procedure, in which several small incisions are used, or it can be performed through open surgery, where one large incision is made through the breastbone. Both are carried out under general anaesthetic.
If you’re having open mitral valve replacement surgery, your heart will be stopped temporarily with medicine and you’ll be placed on a heart-lung machine that will keep blood and oxygen pumping around your body. Once the new valve is in place, your heart will be restarted.
Your consultant will discuss the benefits and risks of each type of valve and surgery with you. They’ll also take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
Mitral valve surgery can be a minimally invasive procedure, in which several small incisions are used, or it can be performed through open surgery, where one large incision is made through the breastbone. Both are carried out under general anaesthetic.
If you’re having open mitral valve replacement surgery, your heart will be stopped temporarily with medicine and you’ll be placed on a heart-lung machine that will keep blood and oxygen pumping around your body. Once the new valve is in place, your heart will be restarted.
Your consultant will discuss the benefits and risks of each type of valve and surgery with you. They’ll also take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
All treatments carry a risk. Your consultant will explain these to you before your mitral valve repair or replacement procedure, so you can decide whether you wish to go ahead or not. Your consultant will also take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
Patients’ stories
Chris's story: Atrial fibrillation
Since he was a teenager, Chris (now 44) had suffered from an irregular heartbeat. Whenever his heart would beat too fast, he was told he was having a panic attack.
How a valve replacement helped Steve breathe easy again
When Steve found out his breathlessness was caused by a narrowed aortic valve, he was terrified of the thought of the open-heart surgery that might be needed to treat it. But with the expertise of Professor Sagar Doshi at The Harborne Hospital, he learned he could have a ‘keyhole’ alternative called TAVI.
Susan's journey to heart health
A family history of cardiac issues and annual check-ups unveiled a series of new conditions.
“During all my consultations with Dr Watkin, he has been friendly, professional and clear in his explanations of my diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Dr Watkin took the time to listen to any questions I had, giving me clear answers and explaining medical terms.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.