Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications,
Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com
Mitral valve stenosis is a heart
condition in which the mitral valve-which regulates blood flow on the left side
of the heart-fails to open as wide as it should. Although it has no immediate
effect on health, eventually mitral valve stenosis can cause the left atrium to
work harder to pump blood through the narrowed valve, leading to heart failure
and complications such as stroke, heart rhythm problems (such as atrial
fibrillation), fluid buildup in the lungs, and blood clots.
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerRakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerMichael P. Pignone, MD, MPH, FACP - Internal Medicine
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Michael P. Pignone, MD, MPH, FACP - Internal Medicine
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