Mitral Valve Stenosis and its Complications

Natural History of the Disease

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!

Atrial Fibrillation

Right Ventricle Failure

Embolization

Pulmonary Hemorrhage

Pulmonary Hypertension

Congestive Heart Failure