Why does mitral stenosis cause enlargement of the left atrium?

Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

Updated on September 13, 2024

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Because mitral stenosis can lead to changes in the mitral valve, particularly causing excessive pressure in the left ventricle, this excessive pressure can lead to enlargement of the left atrium, which are complementary conditions.

During this period, it is still important to actively manage the condition, using medication treatment. If the area of stenosis is relatively large, surgical treatment is needed, as balloon dilation can currently be used to alleviate this condition. Early treatment is best to relieve clinical symptoms. At the same time, it is also important to actively monitor changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse, so as to control the heart rate and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption.

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Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

51sec

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Is severe mitral valve regurgitation serious?

Mitral valve regurgitation can be mild, moderate, or severe, with severe mitral valve regurgitation being the most serious. Over time, severe mitral valve regurgitation can cause enlargement of the heart and a decreased heart pumping function, eventually leading to symptoms of heart failure. Patients may experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms. Additionally, there may be swelling in both lower limbs. When such symptoms occur, it is necessary to take diuretic medications under the guidance of a doctor to reduce heart strain, such as furosemide or spironolactone. If necessary, digoxin may be taken to strengthen the heart and improve symptoms of heart failure. After stabilization, a mitral valve replacement or repair surgery may be scheduled.

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Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

50sec

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Does severe mitral valve regurgitation require surgery?

Severe mitral valve regurgitation requires surgical treatment, with options including mitral valve repair or replacement surgery. If left untreated, severe mitral regurgitation can lead to enlargement of the left ventricle and a reduction in the heart's ejection fraction, resulting in decreased pumping function and symptoms of heart failure. Patients may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fatigue, and nocturnal paroxysmal dyspnea. Severe cases might even exhibit symptoms of acute left heart failure, such as orthopnea, profuse sweating, and coughing up pink frothy sputum. These symptoms typically necessitate hospitalization, which not only adds unnecessary financial burdens but also severely impacts the patient’s quality of life.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

48sec

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Can people with mitral stenosis have children?

If the patient has mitral stenosis, the decision on whether to have children should be based on the size and extent of the narrowing. This is because, in the late stages of pregnancy, this condition can be life-threatening, especially as it can lead to heart failure. This occurs because blood volume increases and the heart is overloaded, which is very dangerous. It can cause the fetus to develop certain diseases due to ischemia and hypoxia, potentially endangering its life. Since mitral stenosis is a type of congenital heart disease, surgical treatment is sometimes necessary to alleviate the condition. The decision to have children can vary depending on individual differences and is not absolute. If the symptoms are severe, it is recommended not to have children.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

1min 1sec

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Mitral stenosis increases the load on which ventricle?

If a patient exhibits symptoms of mitral stenosis, it primarily leads to an increased load on the left atrium and left ventricle, resulting in palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. The current treatment mainly involves symptomatic therapy, using cardiotonic and diuretic medications to improve the patient's condition. Currently, medications are used in treatment to control symptoms like palpitations and chest tightness. It is advised that the patient should undergo a cardiac echocardiography to further confirm the diagnosis. In treatment, it is still necessary to control blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse changes. If there is a rapid heart rate or increased blood pressure, these should also be actively managed to reduce the cardiac load. Dietarily, it is recommended that patients adopt a light diet, particularly eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy and irritating foods. It’s important to keep warm and avoid catching cold.

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Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

44sec

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Severe mitral regurgitation indicators

The criteria for judging mitral valve regurgitation mainly depend on the percentage of the regurgitation area in relation to the left atrial area. If the area of mitral regurgitation exceeds 40% of the left atrial area, it is medically termed as severe regurgitation. If it is below 20%, it is considered mild regurgitation. Generally, patients with severe regurgitation require surgical treatment. This treatment can be conducted through mitral valve replacement surgery or mitral valve repair surgery. Surgical treatment can effectively prevent the occurrence of heart failure, thereby improving the quality of life and extending the patient's lifespan.