Summary about Disease
Mitral stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve opening. This valve normally allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. When the valve is narrowed, it restricts blood flow, leading to a buildup of pressure in the left atrium and potentially affecting the lungs and other organs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mitral stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing. Common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying flat (orthopnea)
Fatigue
Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
Swelling in the ankles and feet (edema)
Cough, sometimes with blood-tinged sputum (hemoptysis)
Chest discomfort or pain
Dizziness or fainting
Causes
The most common cause of mitral stenosis is rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat or scarlet fever. Rheumatic fever can damage the mitral valve, leading to scarring and narrowing over time. Other, less common causes include:
Congenital mitral stenosis (present at birth)
Calcium buildup around the mitral valve (mitral annular calcification)
Rarely, tumors or other conditions affecting the mitral valve
Medicine Used
Medications can help manage the symptoms of mitral stenosis and prevent complications. Common medications include:
Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup in the lungs and body.
Beta-blockers or Calcium Channel Blockers: To slow the heart rate and control palpitations.
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): To prevent blood clots, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Antibiotics: To prevent recurrent rheumatic fever (Penicillin).
Is Communicable
Mitral stenosis itself is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease that can be spread from person to person. However, rheumatic fever, the underlying cause in many cases, is a complication of strep throat, which *is* communicable.
Precautions
If you have mitral stenosis, precautions include:
Regular medical checkups and follow-up with a cardiologist.
Following your doctor's medication regimen strictly.
Avoiding strenuous activity that causes shortness of breath or chest pain.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise (as advised by your doctor).
Preventing infections, especially strep throat, with good hygiene and prompt treatment.
Informing your doctor and dentist about your condition before any procedures.
Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed before dental work or surgery to prevent endocarditis (infection of the heart valves).
How long does an outbreak last?
Mitral stenosis itself is not an outbreak. If referring to rheumatic fever, the inflammatory response can last several weeks to months if untreated, with the potential to cause permanent heart valve damage.
How is it diagnosed?
Mitral stenosis is typically diagnosed through:
Physical Examination: Listening to the heart for characteristic murmurs.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart that can visualize the mitral valve and assess its function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check for abnormal heart rhythms.
Chest X-ray: To evaluate the size and shape of the heart and lungs.
Cardiac Catheterization: A more invasive procedure used to measure pressures in the heart chambers, less common for initial diagnosis but can be useful for assessing the severity of stenosis.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of mitral stenosis symptoms can vary.
Early Stages: Some individuals may be asymptomatic for many years.
Gradual Progression: Symptoms often develop gradually as the narrowing worsens. Shortness of breath on exertion is often the first noticeable symptom.
Exacerbation: Symptoms may worsen during periods of increased activity, pregnancy, or infections.
Late Stages: As the condition progresses, symptoms may occur even at rest, indicating severe stenosis.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
Regular monitoring by a cardiologist is essential.
Surgical or interventional procedures (such as balloon valvuloplasty or valve replacement) may be necessary if symptoms are severe or medical management is not sufficient.
Individuals with mitral stenosis should be aware of the signs and symptoms of complications, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary hypertension, and seek prompt medical attention if they occur.
Pregnancy can be particularly risky for women with mitral stenosis, and careful management is required.