Cardiovascular

Mitral Stenosis

Mitral stenosis obstructs LA emptying, causing raised LA pressure, pulmonary hypertension and AF; rheumatic disease remains the classic cause.

Definition

Mitral stenosis is obstruction to LA emptying caused by a narrowed mitral valve. Severity is determined by integrated echo and clinical assessment; transmitral gradient varies with heart rate and flow.

First principles

The valve obstructs left-atrial emptying

A narrowed mitral valve limits flow from the LA to the LV, especially during exertion or tachycardia. LA pressure rises, leading to pulmonary venous hypertension, breathlessness and right-heart effects.

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