Mitral Stenosis

Mitral stenosis is a cardiac condition characterized by the narrowing of the mitral valve, the valve that separates the left atrium from the left ventricle in the heart. This constriction impedes the smooth flow of blood from the atrium to the ventricle, leading to various cardiovascular complications. Typically associated with rheumatic fever, a historical bacterial infection, mitral stenosis causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. As the condition progresses, it can result in decreased cardiac output and increased pressure in the pulmonary veins. Timely diagnosis and intervention, often through medical management or surgical procedures like balloon valvuloplasty or valve replacement, are crucial in managing the impact of mitral stenosis on heart function and improving patients' quality of life.