Mitral stenosis history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D. [2]
Overview
In adults there may be no symptoms. Symptoms may, however, appear or get worse with exercise or any activity that raises the heart rate. In adults, symptoms usually develop between ages 20 - 50. Symptoms may begin with an episode of atrial fibrillation, or may be triggered by pregnancy or other stress on the body, such as infection in the heart or lungs, or other heart disorders.
Symptoms of Mitral stenosis
Symptoms may include:
- Chest discomfort.
- Heart failure symptoms, such as dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
- Palpitations.
- Chest pain.
- Hemoptysis.
- Thromboembolism
- Frequent respiratory infections such as bronchitis.
- Ascites and edema (if right-sided heart failure develops).
- Fatigue, becoming tired easily.
Symptoms increase with exercise and pregnancy
In infants and children, symptoms may be present from birth (congenital), and almost always develop within the first 2 years of life. Symptoms include:
- Bluish discoloration of the skin or mucus membranes (cyanosis)
- Poor growth
- Shortness of breath