Mitral valve stenosis

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of mitral stenosis? icon plus

  Rheumatic heart disease is the only common cause of mitral stenosis. Initially the heart can become inflamed due to infection. This may cause the mitral valve to harden, preventing blood flowing naturally from the heart. If left untreated, you may then experience the following:

  • atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
  • pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels supporting the lungs)
  • heart failure (the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body)

  Early symptoms might include:

  • dizziness
  • tiredness / fatigue
  • breathlessness
  • chest pain
  • coughing of blood

• Diagnosing mitral valve stenosis icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. Tests we offer to diagnose include:

  • chest X-ray
  • electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart's electrical activity and heartbeat
  • echocardiogram to assess any issues on the inside of the heart

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your treatment options and help to determine the best approach for you. These may include:

  • medications to control symptoms
  • ongoing medication to ensure the stenosis is not getting any worse
  • mitral valve repair known as a balloon valvuloplasty

  If balloon valvuloplasty is not possible, surgical options such as mitral valve replacement, might have to be considered.