Mitral Valve Stenosis
When to Call a Doctor
Call 911or other emergency services immediately if you have:
- Symptoms of a heart attack, including severe chest pain.
- Symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
- Irregular heartbeats and are having fainting episodes or light-headedness.
- Palpitations or shortness of breath or are coughing up blood.
Call a doctor immediately if you have:
- Symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles, and dizziness, fainting, fatigue, or weakness.
- Mitral valve stenosis and are having symptoms of infection, such as fever with no other obvious cause. Be alert for signs of infection if you have recently have had any dental, diagnostic, or surgical procedure.
- Fainting episodes.
- A decreased ability to exercise at your usual level.
- Excessive fatigue without another explanation.
Watchful waiting
Episodes of chest pain or palpitations may come and go and may not be associated with other serious heart disease. However, contact your health professional when:
- Symptoms worsen.
- Symptoms persist longer than usual.
Who to see
Your family doctor or general practitioner can evaluate symptoms of mitral valve stenosis and order further tests as needed. You may be referred to a specialist, such as a cardiologist or cardiovascular surgeon.
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: June 7, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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