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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffMitral valve stenosis — or mitral stenosis — is a condition in which the heart's mitral valve is narrowed (stenotic). This narrowing blocks the valve from opening properly, obstructing blood flow through your heart and from your heart to the rest of your body. Mitral valve stenosis can make you tired and short of breath, among other problems.
The main cause of mitral valve stenosis is a childhood infection called rheumatic fever, which is related to strep infections. Rheumatic fever — once common in the United States and still prevalent in developing countries — can scar the mitral valve.
Mitral valve stenosis in people of all ages is treatable. Left unchecked, mitral valve stenosis can lead to serious heart complications.
- Otto CM. Pathophysiology and clinical features of mitral stenosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 3, 2009.
- Carabello BA. Valvular heart disease. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/148441160-6/860446560/1492/318.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50080-X_3105. Accessed July 3, 2009.
- Ferri FF. Mitral stenosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/148441160-8/860527324/1701/373.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50016-1--cesec452_7951. Accessed July 3, 2009.
- Mitral stenosis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec07/ch076/ch076f.html. Accessed July 3, 2009.
- Sorrentino MJ. Medical management and indications for intervention in mitral stenosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 3, 2009.
- Sorrentino MJ. Surgical management of mitral stenosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 3, 2009.
- Am I at risk of developing arrhythmias? American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=562. Accessed July 3, 2009.
- Ardehali R, et al. Valvular heart disease. In: Nilsson KR, et al. The Osler Medical Handbook. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/148441160-4/860446560/1387/28.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-03748-8..50017-8_181. Accessed July 3, 2009.
- Living with arrhythmia. American Heart Association. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/arr/arr_livingwith.html. Accessed July 3, 2009.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 19, 2009.
