Mitral Valve Stenosis

Mitral Valve stenosis is a serious condition that can cause life-threatening issues in patients. This condition can be treated with medications in its early stages or with surgery if the need arises. The doctors at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, have years of experience in successfully treating patients with Mitral Valve Stenosis with high success rates. It can affect anyone, as it is common in older people, but sometimes it can even develop in children. Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, has a dedicated heart team and expert cardiologists who treat all types of patients with Mitral Valve Stenosis.

The Mitral Valve

The heart valves play an important role in its functioning. They are like little doors that open and close, allowing blood to flow through them. The Mitral valve in the heart is located on the left side of the heart, between two chambers: the Atrium (upper chamber) and the Ventricle (lower chamber).

Mitral Valve Stenosis

When the mitral valve narrows, it causes issues with the blood flowing through it. Through the mitral valve, the blood is pumped from the left atrium and into the left ventricle on its way to the aorta. With the narrowing of the mitral valve, not enough blood can flow through it. This condition is referred to as Mitral Valve Stenosis or Mitral Stenosis. It can lead to many serious health issues and heart problems.

Causes of Mitral Valve Stenosis

Mitral Valve Stenosis occurs due to the thickening and calcification of the mitral valve. The risk of calcification of the mitral valve often increases with old age. Other common causes of Mitral Valve Stenosis include

• Rheumatic fever,
• Radiation therapy,
• Congenital heart defects,
• Lupus or other autoimmune disorders.

Mitral Valve Stenosis Symptoms

Narrowing of the mitral valve can cause varying symptoms in patients. Some of the major symptoms include:

• Chest discomfort or chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fatigue
• Fluid buildup in the lungs or Bronchitis
• Heart Murmur
• Heart palpitations
• Hoarseness
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Shortness of breath. This can worsen during activity or when lying down.
• Stroke
• Swollen abdomen, feet, or legs

Mitral valve stenosis progresses slowly over time, and no symptoms usually occur in the beginning. However, once symptoms start to appear, the disease can speed up, causing the worsening of the condition.

Diagnosing Mitral Valve Stenosis at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka
Our doctors carefully examine and evaluate patients to diagnose Mitral Valve Stenosis. When diagnosing a condition like Mitral Valve Stenosis, it is important to understand how far the disease has already progressed. For this, the doctors at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, may run the following tests:

• Cardiac Catheterization
• Cardiac CT
• Cardiac MRI
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Exercise stress tests

As per the requirement and the patient’s condition, the doctor may run some or all of the above-mentioned tests. Those who have already been diagnosed with Mitral Valve Stenosis in its early stage will be advised to have an echocardiogram done annually.

Mitral Valve Stenosis Treatment at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka
Not all patients with Mitral Valve Stenosis will require surgery. Based on the test results and the progression of the disease, our doctors may treat Mitral Valve Stenosis in any of the following ways:

• Medication: Patients may be given blood thinners to prevent blood clots. They will also be given diuretics to avoid further buildup in the body. Other medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other heart drugs, heart rhythms drugs, and antibiotics.
• Surgery: When the condition has progressed, and there is damage to the heart valve, it will eventually need to be replaced or repaired using surgical methods. Our surgeons at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, are specially trained to perform procedures like Balloon valvuloplasty, open heart surgery, and mitral valve replacement to treat mitral valve stenosis.

Heart-related symptoms should never be ignored. The quicker you get them evaluated, the easier and safer the course of treatment will be.

Mitral valve stenosis requires proper care, diagnosis, and treatment. Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, has experienced and skilled cardiologists and heart specialists who successfully treat many Mitral valve Stenosis patients every year. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern technological facilities, and expert medical staff are always dedicated to giving proper care and support to patients.

If you suffer from any Mitral Valve Stenosis symptoms, contact our counsellors to fix an appointment at the cardiology department.