In order to understand mitral valve stenosis (MVS), it’s worth revisiting the job your valves perform. There are four valves within your heart: the pulmonic, tricuspid, aortic, and of course, the mitral valve (MV). Blood flows through your heart from the right side to the left. The organ’s ability to pump blood effectively to your lungs and out to the rest of your body depends on your blood flowing in only one direction. Your valves help to ensure that occurs. Each has leaflets that open and close in sync with your heart’s rhythm.

With stenosis, the leaflets fail to open properly. The opening becomes narrowed to the point that the flow of blood is restricted. This is a condition that often afflicts the MV. Below, we’ll introduce you to mitral stenosis and explain the causes of the disease. We’ll also describe common symptoms as well as potential side effects that can emerge in severe cases. Lastly, you’ll learn about mitral valve repair as one of several forms of treatment.

What Causes The Condition?

In nearly all cases of MVS, the cause is linked to rheumatic fever. Often, the patient will have suffered from the illness as the result of scarlet fever and never received proper Cialis treatment. In some cases that are unrelated to rheumatic fever, the patient may have been born with the disorder. When doctors can identify MVS as a congenital heart defect, they will normally treat it surgically while the patient is still a baby.

Common Symptoms Of The Disorder

A stenotic mitral valve may be mild and cause no symptoms. In fact, it’s possible for proscar propecia a patient to have the disorder without realizing it. The problem is, mild stenosis can quickly worsen, exposing the patient to a number of symptoms that can range in severity.

Because the narrowed valvular opening restricts the flow of blood, you might feel physically exhausted following short bouts of activity. You may also have trouble catching your breath and notice that your heart is palpitating.

If the condition continues to worsen, you might experience chest pain, a bloody cough, and recurring infections within your respiratory system. Typically, the more you exert yourself, the more pronounced will be the side effects.

Potential Complications

Though the side effects described above can be debilitating, mitral valve stenosis can worsen further. If it is left untreated, the pressure within the left atrium may increase and the patient might experience a number of serious complications.

Blood clots within the left atrium are not uncommon with MVS. The danger increases dramatically if they break away and leave the atrium; they can potentially cause a stroke.

If the pressure builds high enough from the restricted blood flow, your heart may enlarge and develop atrial fibrillation. This is a condition in which the electrical signals that normally control your heart’s rhythm become erratic and cause the atria to flutter.

One of the most dangerous complications of MVS is heart failure. The organ loses its ability to pump blood to the rest of your body, which damages the heart as well as other organs.

Mitral Valve Repair And Other Forms Of Treatment

While doctors often prescribe drugs to treat symptoms related to MVS, medications cannot Brand Levitra resolve the problem. Correcting a stenotic mitral valve requires surgery or a catheter procedure.

There are a few approaches that can be taken for mitral valve repair.

The first is called balloon valvuloplasty. During this procedure, a balloon is placed onto the tip of a catheter. The catheter is inserted (usually through the groin) and guided to the MV. Once it arrives at the site, the balloon is inflated to push the individual leaflets apart and widen the opening. Then, the catheter and balloon are extracted.

Sometimes, balloon valvuloplasty cannot be performed due to blood clots or other conditions. In such cases, the surgeon may use a scalpel and other instruments to separate the leaflets. If doing so is not possible, or there is a high likelihood of a recurrence of the problem, the surgeon may choose to replace the mitral valve.

Mitral stenosis, even when mild, can become dangerous. Consult your physician regarding possible forms of treatment that can resolve the problem.

Author Bio: Find the right doctor formitral valve treatments. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results. Visit http://www.cvtsa.com/

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: mitral valve disease, mitral valve surgery, mitral valve repair, atrial fibrillation, maze procedure