Mitral Stenosis

Mitral Stenosis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Mitral stenosis is a heart disease that occurs due to narrowing of the mitral valve opening caused by scar changes as a result of rheumatism. This condition can result in decreased blood flow to the lungs and decreased volume of blood flowing into the left atrium.

In most cases, mitral stenosis develops after rheumatism, which is an infectious disease that causes inflammation and damage to the mitral valve. As a result, scars form on the valve, which can lead to a narrowing of the opening.

Symptoms of mitral stenosis may include fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, cough, chest pain and swelling in the legs. People with severe stenosis may experience a diastolic murmur that can be heard when listening to the heart.

The diagnosis of mitral stenosis can be made by using echocardiography, which allows visualization of the mitral valve and determines the presence of narrowing. In addition, other tests, such as an ECG and chest x-ray, may be ordered to evaluate the health of the heart and lungs.

Treatment for mitral stenosis depends on the degree of narrowing and the presence of other heart problems. In cases of minor narrowing, no special treatment is usually required, but the patient should undergo regular medical examinations to monitor the condition of the heart.

Severe stenosis may require surgical treatment, such as mitral valvotomy, in which the narrowed opening is widened. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to replace the affected valve with an artificial prosthesis.

Overall, mitral stenosis is a serious condition that can lead to heart failure and other heart problems. Therefore, regular monitoring of heart condition and timely treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve the patient's quality of life.

Mitral Stenosis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Mitral stenosis is a type of heart disease characterized by narrowing of the opening of the mitral valve. This disease occurs as a result of cicatricial changes in the valve after rheumatism. A person can develop mitral stenosis alone or stenosis in combination with mitral valve insufficiency.

The symptoms of Mitral stenosis are in many ways similar to the symptoms observed in a patient with mitral valve insufficiency, but in this case the person has a diastolic murmur. In addition, the patient may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, and bluish skin.

Mild stenosis usually does not require any special treatment. However, in case of severe stenosis, surgical expansion of the narrowed opening is performed through mitral valvotomy. This is a procedure in which the surgeon widens the opening of the mitral valve using a special instrument.

If mitral stenosis is severe and cannot be effectively treated with mitral valvotomy, then an artificial mitral valve prosthesis is inserted instead of the diseased valve. This is called "mitral replacement."

Finally, it is important to note that Mitral stenosis is a serious condition that can lead to serious complications such as atrial fibrillation, embolism and heart failure. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to contact a qualified cardiologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Mitral Stenosis: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Mitral stenosis, also known as mitral stenosis, is a heart condition characterized by narrowing of the opening of the mitral valve. This condition is caused by cicatricial changes in the valve that occur after rheumatism. Mitral stenosis can develop as an independent disease or in combination with mitral valve insufficiency.

Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis are usually associated with disruption of normal blood flow through the heart. When the mitral valve narrows, the heart must work harder to overcome the resistance created by the narrow opening. This may lead to the following symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath: Patients with mitral stenosis often complain of shortness of breath, especially during exercise or while lying down. This occurs due to the retention of blood in the lungs caused by the narrowing of the mitral valve.

2. Fatigue: Due to the extra work of the heart, patients may feel tired and weak.

3. Dry cough: Mitral stenosis can cause irritation in the lungs, resulting in a dry cough.

4. Palpitations: Patients may experience an irregular heartbeat or a pulsating sensation in the chest.

5. Chest pain: In some cases, people with mitral stenosis may complain of chest pain due to insufficient blood supply to the heart.

The diagnosis of mitral valve stenosis is usually made based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and additional investigative techniques. Confirming the diagnosis may require echocardiography, which allows the doctor to visualize the structure and function of the mitral valve.

Treatment for mitral valve stenosis depends on the degree of narrowing and the presence of symptoms. For minor stenosis where symptoms are absent or mild, specific treatment is often not required, but patients are advised to have regular follow-up with a cardiologist.

In cases of severe stenosis, the following treatment measures may be required:

1. Drug therapy: Medicines, such as diuretics and drugs that reduce the workload of the heart, may be prescribed to relieve symptoms and improve heart function.

2. Surgery: Severe stenosis may require surgical treatment. One possibility is mitral valvotomy, a procedure that involves widening the narrowed opening of the mitral valve. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the diseased valve with an artificial mitral valve replacement.

3. Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a special catheter with a balloon is inserted through the vessels and into the mitral orifice. The balloon is then inflated to widen the narrowed valve and improve blood flow.

Regular follow-up with a cardiologist and adherence to lifestyle recommendations are also important for patients with mitral valve stenosis. This may include limiting physical activity, taking medications, controlling blood pressure, and avoiding infections that can make the condition worse.

Mitral stenosis is a serious heart condition that requires close medical monitoring and appropriate treatment. Timely consultation with a doctor and adherence to recommendations will help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients with this condition.