The First Symptoms of Mitral Valve Stenosis

Mitral valve stenosis typically does not cause noticeable symptoms until the condition reaches a moderate stage. At this point, patients may begin to experience a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and other related issues. Below is a detailed overview:

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is often the earliest and most common symptom experienced by individuals with mitral valve stenosis. This symptom is frequently triggered by physical activity, emotional stress, infections, or the onset of atrial fibrillation. As the severity of the stenosis increases, patients may experience difficulty breathing even while at rest. In more advanced cases, individuals may develop orthopnea—shortness of breath when lying flat—or experience episodes of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, which are sudden attacks of breathing difficulty during the night. In severe situations, acute pulmonary edema may occur, which is a life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

Coughing Up Blood

In addition to breathing difficulties, coughing up blood can also be a significant symptom of mitral valve stenosis. Some patients may suddenly cough up a large amount of bright red blood. This symptom is often seen in more advanced cases and may, in some instances, be the very first sign of the condition. It is typically caused by increased pressure in the pulmonary veins, which can lead to rupture and bleeding.

Other Common Symptoms

Besides shortness of breath and hemoptysis (coughing up blood), there are several other symptoms that patients may experience. These include a persistent cough, which is particularly common, and hoarseness, or a change in voice quality. Hoarseness occurs due to the compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve by an enlarged left atrium. These symptoms, while less urgent, can still significantly impact a patient's quality of life and should not be ignored.