Introduction
Mitral Valve Stenosis is a valve disease, which involves narrowing of the mitral valve. Mitral valve is a heart valve that opens up to allow the blood flow freely into the left ventricle. It narrows or fails to open adequately leading to the decreased amount of blood flowing through the valve into the ventricles resulting in the high pressure in the lungs and left atrium. If mitral valve stenosis is not properly treated, it can lead to several complications. Some of the complications associated with this disease include heart failure, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, and strokes among others.
Causes
Rheumatic heart disease is the most common cause of mitral valve stenosis. This happens when the heart valves are damaged due to the inadequately treated rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a condition that occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to the infection of streptococcus bacteria, in the throat. This happens when the infection is not properly treated with antibiotics. Other than rheumatic fever, other causes of mitral valve stenosis include; congenital defects, degenerative, tumor, radiation, and blood clots. Mitral valve stenosis is strongly associated with rheumatic fever since it leads to thickening of the valves and makes them adhere together thereby restricting the blood flow.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mitral valve stenosis develop gradually, and they include dyspnea, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, orthopnea, coughing with blood, and swelling of the feet and ankles. There may also be fluid retention especially from the lower body that may lead to orthopnea due to pulmonary edema. Pulmonary hypertension can also be brought about by fluid retention or heart failure.
Diagnosis
Mitral Valve Stenosis can be diagnosed by carrying out a physical examination and a review of the family history. A doctor may detect abnormal heart sounds including murmurs and opening snaps by listening to the heart using a stethoscope. However, the most accurate tests that can help in diagnosing mitral stenosis include an echocardiography, an electrocardiogram or EKG, and a chest x-ray. The diagnostic tests may also involve exercise testing. Other additional tests may also be recommended to confirm the diagnosis of mitral stenosis. These additional tests may include transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. An echocardiography test is the best test for evaluating the heart valve to determine the severity of the problem.
Treatment
There are various treatments for mitral valve stenosis. They include surgical procedures, medications, and other therapeutic interventions. The treatment for mitral valve stenosis aims at ensuring that the valve is properly opened hence allowing normal blood flow. The treatment may also aim at preventing various complications from occurring. A patient with a mild form of the condition should always go to regular visits to the physician to ensure that the condition does not worsen. Patients with sever mitral valve stenosis may require frequent administration of medications to help in lowering the risk of various complications including pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Patients affected by this condition should regularly be put under medication to help in managing the disease for the rest of their lives. Some of the medications that may be recommended for these patients include diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
The action of diuretics is to reduce the amount of fluid retained in the body. Beta blockers help in reducing the pressure of the lungs and the workload of the heart. On the other hand, calcium channel blockers help in reducing the force and the heart rate. Patients at risk of atrial fibrillation should also take anti-clotting drugs to help in inhibiting the production of blood clots. Another procedure that may be useful in the treatment includes Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvotomy procedure. This procedure is used to treat a narrowed mitral valve that inhibits the proper amount of blood flow into the heart vents. This procedure is the best form of treatment for mitral valve stenosis. This procedure is recommended for patients whose disease was caused by rheumatic fever. Surgery is also another option for the treatment of a narrowed mitral valve. It is important to note that surgical procedures are recommended depending on the severity of the condition. There are two types of surgeries used in the treatment of mitral valve stenosis. They include valve repair surgery and valve replacement surgery.
Valve repair surgery is a type of surgery that involves the removal of the thickened valve tissues so that it can be opened widely and allow the normal flow of blood into the ventricles. Valve repair surgery is considered the best surgery because it helps in restoring the normal function of the valve. This way, it is able to prevent any future problems with the valve. On the other hand, if the valve is severely damaged, then it may be necessary to carry out a valve replacement surgery. This is a procedure that ensures that the damaged valve is replaced with a metallic or animal valve.
Prevention
The best way of preventing rheumatic causes of mitral valve stenosis includes the proper treatment of throat infections. Additionally, patients at risk of rheumatic fever should be put under antibiotic treatment to prevent the occurrence of rheumatic fever. For example, people suffering from rheumatic fever should take antibiotics for the rest of their lives to ensure that they do not develop the condition. It is also advisable to carry out regular physical exercise and eating healthy meals to help in preventing the development of mitral valve stenosis. Beside the treatment of infection and regular exercise, it is important to take good care of the mouth and also manage the blood pressure to reduce the chances of having this condition.
Complications
Atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension are some of the complications that may arise due to mitral valve stenosis if it is not properly treated. Heart failure, infective endocarditis, formation of blood clots, and enlargement of atrium are some other complications associated with this condition.
Conclusion
Mitral Valve Stenosis is a very severe condition that should not be ignored. Although, this condition can be managed using various treatment options. Some of these treatment options include medications, other procedures such as Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvotomy procedure, and surgeries. It is very important that we take utmost care of our heart.
