Mitral stenosis

Alternative names:

mitral valve obstruction

Treatment:

No treatment may be necessary if symptoms are absent or mild. Hospitalization may be required for diagnosis and for treatment of severe symptoms. Medications include diuretics, digoxin, or antiarrhythmics. Anticoagulants may be used to prevent blood clots. Heart valve surgery (mitral commissurotomy) or replacement of the valve may be necessary. Balloon valvuloplasty may be considered instead of surgery.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies. The disorder may be mild or without symptoms. It may be more severe and eventually disabling. Complications may be severe or life threatening. Mitral stenosis is usually controllable with treatment, and improved with surgery.

Complications:

• enlargement of the atrium
• incomplete atrial emptying
• heart failure
• pulmonary edema
• atrial fibrillation
• stroke
• emboli to the intestines, lungs, or other areas

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms are suggestive of mitral stenosis.

Call your health care provider if you have mitral stenosis and symptoms do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms appear.