My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

A to Z Guides

Email a Friend

Print Article

Information and Resources

Font Size

Diagnostic tests for mitral valve problems

**Diagnostic tests for mitral valve stenosis**
Diagnostic test	What is it?	Measurements provided
Echocardiogram (echo)	Ultrasound of the heart	Opening and closing of valve Estimated valve area Pressure gradient Size of left ventricle Size of left atrium and whether blood clots (thrombosis) are found in left atrium Rate of blood flow Volume of blood flow Direction of blood flow Blood pressure in lungs (indirectly) The amount of calcification on mitral valve structures
Cardiac catheterization	Invasive exam of the heart	Mitral valve area Pressure gradient Size and function of ventricle Blood pressure in lungs
Ventriculogram (generally done as part of a cardiac catheterization)	Dye injection and image of left ventricle	Volume of blood flowing through mitral valve Volume of blood leaking back through mitral valve Size and function of left ventricle
Electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG)	Measurement of the heart's electrical signal	Size of left atrium (indirectly) Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) Pressure in pulmonary arteries
Chest X-ray	X-ray of the chest	Estimated size of heart chambers Valve calcification Degree of lung congestion

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Last Updated	March 18, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 18, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.