What is Mitral Stenosis?
The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart is called the mitral valve. Mitral stenosis can be defined as the mitral valve opening, which controls blood flow in the heart, being narrower than normal. Mitral stenosis restricts the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle, which pumps blood to the body. Blood that is prevented from passing into the left ventricle accumulates in the left atrium much more than normal. Thus, the left atrium begins to enlarge and arrhythmias occur. If the enlargement of the left atrium continues to increase, arrhythmias called atrial flutter and then atrial fibrillation develop. Atrial fibrillation is important because this arrhythmia disrupts the contraction function of the left atrium, slows blood flow in the left atrium, and ultimately causes blood clots to form within the left atrium. If this clot moves and enters the systemic circulation, embolisms and strokes may occur.
What Symptoms Does Mitral Stenosis Cause?
Mitral stenosis may cause certain symptoms. These symptoms can be listed as follows:
Shortness of breath: This is one of the most common symptoms. Shortness of breath, which usually occurs during strenuous activities, may also occur at rest.
Heart Palpitations: Mitral valve stenosis can cause palpitations by enlarging the left atrium of the heart.
Fatigue, Feeling Tired: Fatigue and exhaustion may also occur intermittently.
Hoarseness: Increased pressure in the upper chamber of the heart can put pressure on the vocal cords. This can also cause hoarseness.
Dizziness or Feeling of Fainting: Irregular blood flow can also cause dizziness and fainting.
Coughing Up Blood: Increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels causes the lungs to leak blood, resulting in coughing up blood.
Chest Pain or Discomfort: Chest pain, which usually occurs during exercise and sports, also occurs during rest.
Swelling in the Legs and Feet: In advanced stages of mitral stenosis, damage to the right heart valve causes edema in the feet and swelling in the abdomen.
What Are the Causes of Mitral Stenosis?
The mitral valve, which prevents blood from leaking backward through the valve and ensures blood flow, narrows in certain conditions. There are many factors that can cause mitral stenosis. These factors can be listed as follows:
Rheumatic Fever: Rheumatic fever, which can develop after throat infections, can damage the heart valves.
Congenital Factors: Some patients may have congenital mitral valve stenosis and abnormalities.
Endocarditis: Endocarditis, an infection that infects the inner surface of the heart, can lead to mitral stenosis.
Degenerative mitral valve disease
Mitral annular calcification
Malignant carcinoid syndrome
The mitral valve, which ensures the heart functions regularly and oxygenated blood flows to the body, may not perform its function in various conditions. Mitral stenosis is one of the conditions that affect heart function. Stenosis prevents adequate blood flow to the systemic circulation and causes an increase in pulmonary pressure as a result of blood pooling in the lungs.
If such complaints are present, evaluation by a cardiologist is necessary. Early diagnosis allows for intervention before heart and lung function deteriorates, ensuring that normal function is maintained after treatment.
