Mitral Valve Stenosis is a condition where the heart’s mitral valve narrows down. When this happens, the blood flow into the main chamber of your heart is obstructed. This can lead to the patient feeling tired and experiencing shortness of breath.
Mainly the Mitral Stenosis arises due to Rheumatic fever. If Mitral valve stenosis is not treated, it may cause heart complications. Here we will share with you all about the Mitral valve stenosis and its treatment.
Mitral Valve Stenosis Symptoms
When the Mitral Valve Stenosis condition happens, pressure built up in the patient’s heart reaches his lungs. This causes fluid build-up in the lungs, thus causing congestion and gasping for breath. Mitral valve stenosis takes some time before it manifests itself. So you might be suffering for decades before the actual symptoms show. Here are the symptoms of Mitral valve stenosis.
- Shortness of breath
- Getting tired quickly, especially while doing something hectic
- Swelling in feet or legs
- Palpitations, fluttery feeling in the heart
- Pain in the chest or any discomfort
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Heart murmur
Mitral Valve Stenosis Diagnosis
Tests could be conducted to determine if a person is suffering from Mitral Valve stenosis. The following are the most common tests:
- Electrocardiogram: Here, wires are attached to your skin. They measure the electrical signals coming from the heart and inform about any discrepancy in heart rhythm.
- Chest X-ray- A chest X-ray lets the doctor know if the heart faces any issues.
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram- A transducer is held at the chest to show images of the heart in motion.
- Transoesophageal Echocardiogram- Here, the transducer is inserted into your esophagus. It allows the doctor to get a closer look at your Mitral valve.
- Cardiac Catheterization- If the other tests are unable to identify Mitral Valve stenosis, then this test may be used
Mitral Valve Stenosis Treatment
Finally, we will talk about the treatment used for Mitral valve stenosis.
Medicines
Medicines may not be able to cure the problem. But some of the drugs mentioned below can monitor the heart rhythm and bring it in control.
- Diuretics- Reduces the fluid build-up in the lungs
- Anti-coagulants- These help in preventing any blood clots
- Calcium channel blockers- Slows the heart rate allowing breathing to ease
- Antibiotics- To stop Rheumatic fever from coming back.
Surgery
Sometimes the situation is rather grave. The doctor then suggests any of the following surgeries:
- Percutaneous balloon Mitral valvuloplasty: Here, the doctor will insert a thin tube having a balloon at its tip in the artery in your arm. He will then lead this to the problematic valve. Then the balloon is inflated so that the valve broadens. Once done, the Catheter is taken out.
- Mitral valve replacement- If your valve cannot be fixed, it could be replaced with a biological or mechanical one.
Mitral Valve Stenosis could affect your life and should not be ignored. Contact an experienced doctor to guide you through the correct treatment process. At any point, do not take this problem lightly as it involves your heart. The health of your heart decides the quality of life you get to lead.
