Mitral stenosis is a condition where the mitral valve in the heart becomes narrowed, making it harder for blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This narrowing causes blood to back up into the lungs and the left atrium, leading to a variety of symptoms that usually develop gradually over time.
The most common and noticeable sign of mitral stenosis is **shortness of breath**. Initially, this difficulty breathing happens during physical activity or exertion, but as the condition worsens, it can occur even when resting or lying down. This happens because the blood pooling in the lungs increases pressure there, causing congestion and fluid buildup, which makes breathing harder.
People with mitral stenosis often experience **fatigue and weakness**. Since the heart is less efficient at pumping blood, the body’s tissues get less oxygen, leading to tiredness and reduced ability to perform everyday tasks.
Another important symptom is **palpitations**, which are feelings of a rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat. This occurs because the left atrium enlarges due to the extra pressure and volume of blood it holds. This enlargement can trigger an abnormal heart rhythm called **atrial fibrillation**, which can cause the heart to beat irregularly and sometimes very fast.
Some patients may develop a **cough**, which can sometimes bring up blood (known as hemoptysis). This happens because the increased pressure in the lungs can cause small blood vessels to rupture.
In advanced stages, **swelling in the legs and feet** (peripheral edema) can occur. This swelling results from the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to accumulate in the body’s lower parts.
A distinctive but less common sign is a **pinkish-purple discoloration of the cheeks and face**, sometimes called “mitral facies.” This happens due to poor oxygenation of the blood and changes in blood flow patterns caused by the valve narrowing.
Other symptoms that might be noticed include **dizziness or lightheadedness**, especially during exercise or when standing up quickly. This can be related to reduced blood flow and the heart’s inability to meet the body’s demands.
Some people may also experience **chest discomfort or atypical chest pain**, which is usually sharp and not related to exertion like the pain from a heart attack. This pain can be caused by the strain on the heart and changes in blood flow.
Because mitral stenosis develops slowly, symptoms might be mild at first and easily overlooked. Over time, as the valve narrows more and the heart struggles to compensate, symptoms become more obvious and can significantly affect daily life.
In summary, the key signs of mitral stenosis include:
– Shortness of breath (worsening from exertion to rest)
– Fatigue and weakness
– Palpitations due to atrial fibrillation
– Cough, sometimes with blood
– Swelling in the legs and feet
– Pinkish-purple facial discoloration (mitral facies)
– Dizziness or lightheadedness
– Atypical chest pain
Recognizing these symptoms early is important because mitral stenosis can lead to serious complications like heart failure, stroke (due to blood clots from atrial fibrillation), and pulmonary hypertension if left untreated. If someone experiences these signs, especially if they have a history of rheumatic fever or other heart conditions, they should seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and management.
