Mitral valve stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve. This is the valve between the upper chamber (atrium) and lower chamber (ventricle) of the left side of the heart. Mitral valve stenosis is often discovered when your health care provider hears an abnormal sound (heart murmur) while listening to your heart. This condition can range from mild to severe.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by:
• Rheumatic fever, which is a complication of strep infection.
• Buildup of calcium around the valve. This can occur with aging.
• Birth defect.
• Damage from toxic medicines or radiation to the chest.
• Inflammation of various tissues of the body (systemic lupus erythematosus).
• Fabry disease.
• Whipple disease.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of …show more content…
• Antibiotic medicines to prevent infections. Defective heart valves are more prone to infection.
• Open heart surgery. This may be needed to repair or replace the mitral valve.
• Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. This is a procedure in which a small tube (catheter) is passed through a blood vessel in your groin and into your heart. Once inside the heart, a tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter is temporarily inflated, causing the narrowed mitral valve to open up.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Lifestyle
• Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Both of these substances can affect your heart's rate and rhythm. Alcohol intake should be no more than 1 drink a day for non-pregnant women and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1½ oz. of hard liquor.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Find out what kind of exercise you are allowed to participate in.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. A dietitian can help you make healthy food choices.
General