What Increases Your Risk

Risk factors for mitral valve stenosis are:

• History of rheumatic fever. But since most people don't know that they had rheumatic fever, they may not know they are at risk.
• Aging. Wear and tear of the valve over time may cause it to harden and narrow.
• Being female. More women than men get this problem.

Diabetes and Marfan's syndrome can sometimes lead to stenosis. Any condition that scars the valves, such as endocarditis, also may cause stenosis.

When to Call a Doctor

Call or other emergency services immediately if you have:

• Symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain or pressure.
• Symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
• Irregular heartbeats along with fainting episodes or lightheadedness.
• Palpitations.
• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing up blood.

Call a doctor immediately if you have:

• Symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles, and not being able to exercise at your usual level.
• Mitral valve stenosis and are having symptoms of infection, such as fever with no other obvious cause.
• Fainting episodes.
• Excessive fatigue without another explanation.

Who to see

Health professionals who can evaluate symptoms and order further tests as needed include:

• Family medicine physicians.
• Internists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Cardiologists.

A cardiovascular surgeon may do surgical repair or replacement of heart valves.