Mitral valve stenosis

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors Tests and diagnosis

Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Mitral valve stenosis — or mitral stenosis — occurs when the heart's mitral valve is narrowed. This narrowing prevents the valve from opening fully and obstructs blood flow between the left chambers of your heart.

When the mitral valve is narrowed (stenotic), blood can't efficiently move through your heart to the rest of your body. Mitral valve stenosis can make you tired and short of breath, among other problems.

The main cause of mitral valve stenosis is a childhood infection called rheumatic fever, which is related to untreated strep infections. Rheumatic fever — once common in the United States and still prevalent in developing countries — often scars the mitral valve.

Mitral valve stenosis is treatable in people of all ages. Treatment depends on the severity and progression of your condition and your signs and symptoms. If the condition is severe enough, you may need heart surgery to repair or replace the valve. Left unchecked, mitral valve stenosis can lead to serious heart complications.

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Symptoms