The diagnosis of Mitral Valve Stenosis can be suspected by a couple of studies:

• Electrocardiogram or EKG : In the this study a doctor may see atrial fibrillation or/and possibly enlargement of the left or right atrium. 
• Chest x-ray :  A chest could detect an enlarged left atrium without an enlarged left ventricle, enlargement of the pulmonary arteries, or pulmonary edema because of congestive heart failure.

The above studies are commonly obtained as part of the effort as to trying to sort out the patients symptoms and are routinely done in patients who have cardiac symptoms.  

The diagnosis of Mitral Valve Stenosis is can be commonly made by performing an ECHOCARDIOGRAM.  An echocardiogram is an ultrasound study of the heart.  With it we can examine the heart valves and heart chambers. The echocardiogram helps establishing the severity of mitral valve stenosis, are there any other valves are affected, and helps guide as to what is the best therapy. 


Keep in mind all of these studies may not be conclusive and results can vary depending on a number of factors. 

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Symptoms of Mitral Valve Stenosis may take years to develop.  Complications associated to Mitral Valve Stenosis include some of the following

1. Atrial Fibrillation : An irregular heart rhythm due to the enlargement of the atria 
2. Clot or thrombus embolization: As a result of Mitral Valve Stenosis the Left Atria cannot eject blood effectively thus leading to the formation of clot which can float out of the heart to anywhere in the body.
3. Pulmonary Hypertension : An abnormal rise of pressure in the lungs due to blood backing up from the left atrium as a result of Mitral Valve Stenosis.  Most times this pressure is relieved by treating the Mitral Valve Obstruction.  But there are patients in which this becomes permanent.
4. Right Ventricular Dysfunction and even Failure : Because of the resultant pressure building up in the lungs the Right side of the heart has to work harder.  This increase in work can cause the Right Ventricle Dysfunction and ultimately Right Ventricular Failure.
5. Pulmonary Hemorrhage : Bleeding in the lungs because of blood backing up from the left side of the heart
6. Congestive Heart Failure : Fluid  build up in the lungs because of the same mechanics of Pulmonary hemorrhage.

Watch the short animations below to help you better understand what each complication means!