Mitral Stenosis is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This narrowing can lead to increased pressure in the left atrium and may cause symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. It is often caused by rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat.
Diagnosis typically involves echocardiography, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart. Treatment options may include medications to manage symptoms or procedures like valvuloplasty to widen the valve. In severe cases, surgical replacement of the mitral valve may be necessary.