Mitral stenosis
Mitral stenosis: treatment and prevention of heart defects
Mitral stenosis is a heart defect caused by narrowing of the left atrioventricular orifice. In most cases, this disease is acquired, congenital mitral valve stenosis (as this disease is also called) is very rare.
The formation of the disease usually begins at a young age. Noticeable symptoms most often occur around the age of 30-50. Note that mitral stenosis is more common in women.
Causes and pathogenesis of mitral stenosis
In most cases, mitral stenosis is a consequence of previous rheumatism (approximately 80% of all studied cases). In MBC-10, paragraph I05.0 “Mitral stenosis” is described as “rheumatic narrowing of the mitral valve”. At the same time, the development of mitral valve stenosis can provoke other diseases, such as: infectious diseases and heart injuries, atherosclerosis, syphilis, etc.
As a result of pathological processes in the body, the opening leading to the left ventricle from the left atrium narrows. This leads to an increase in pressure in the left atrium, and then entails an increase in pressure and spasms in the vessels of the lungs. The pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the right ventricle to the lungs, also falls into the cycle of increasing pressure.
The load on the right ventricle increases significantly, this part of the heart is hypertrophied, the contractility of its muscles is greatly reduced. A violation of the small circle of blood circulation is followed by a violation of the large circle. Heart failure is formed.
Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis
The formation of mitral stenosis and heart failure is a long process, so the symptoms do not manifest themselves for a long time. Then the following signs become noticeable.
Shortness of breath (including paroxysmal at night), fatigue, the patient does not tolerate physical exertion.
“Mitral blush” is an unhealthy shade of cheeks and lips (purple or bluish-pink).
If you put your hand to the patient’s chest in the chest area, a vibration is felt (“cat purring”).
In severe cases, hemoptysis may appear (often such a complication is observed during pregnancy).
Diagnosis and treatment of mitral stenosis
Diagnosis of mitral valve stenosis is performed by a cardiologist. The conclusion is made on the basis of examination of the patient and the results of clinical studies: electro- and echocardiogram, radiography of the heart.
Treatment in most cases is symptomatic, with the use of various groups of medications. However, if the mitral orifice is narrowed to a diameter of 1.2-1.0 cm2 (or less), surgical intervention may be necessary. In the case of pregnancy, its termination may be indicated if the mitral opening narrows so much that its diameter does not exceed 1.5 cm2.
The disease often progresses due to relapses of rheumatism, but constant monitoring allows you to identify the danger in time and make a decision about the need for surgical intervention. Mitral valve surgery is one of the most studied areas in cardiac surgery. Mortality during surgical treatment ranges from 0.5% (without prosthetics) to 3-5% (in severe cases, with prosthetics).
Prevention of mitral stenosis and its complications
Maintaining a high level of immunity and healthy physical activity plays a significant role in the prevention of heart defects. In addition, it is important to undergo regular medical examination, since early diagnosis contributes to a favorable outcome of any treatment.
