Mitral Valve Stenosis - What Increases Your Risk
The three main risk factors for mitral valve stenosis are:
- History of rheumatic fever. Unfortunately, since most individuals do not know they had rheumatic fever, they may not know they are at risk.
- Aging. Wear and tear of the mitral valve over time may cause it to harden and narrow.
- Gender. More women than men get mitral valve stenosis.
Less commonly, diabetes and Marfan's syndrome can lead to mitral valve stenosis, causing calcification, or hardening, of the mitral valve's base. This limits the valve's flexibility and slows its rhythmic movements. Any condition that scars the valves, such as endocarditis, may lead to mitral valve stenosis. But, these conditions usually raise the chance of getting mitral valve regurgitation rather than stenosis.
Thriving After 2 Heart Attacks
I had my first heart attack 26 years ago, when I was 52. I was very active then, sometimes jogging and often walking long distances. But I was also on the congressional staff in Washington, and the day leading up to the attack was even more hectic than usual. My boss was introducing major legislation, and I had crafted an important floor speech. I didn’t have time for regular meals and ate a huge cheeseburger for dinner, then smoked three or four cigarettes. It happened about 3 in the morning...
Read the Thriving After 2 Heart Attacks article > >
Little can be done to prevent mitral valve stenosis. Similarly, after you develop the condition, you cannot prevent the start of symptoms or predict how quickly symptoms will develop.
Fortunately, mitral valve stenosis can be treated. And few people die from it.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Mitral Valve Stenosis Topics
Today in Heart Disease
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.