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The heart consists of four chambers, two atria and two ventricles. The atrium of each side is connected with the ventricle, and the blood flow between the two is controlled by valves
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Any defect in these valves can lead to various valvular heart diseases with varied clinical presentations. The mitral valve is present in between the left atrium and ventricle
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The mitral valve orifice is about 5 square centimetres in size, and a reduction in this area can lead to mitral stenosis, a type of valvular heart disease
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A history of rheumatic fever, which develops due to infection with group A Streptococcus, is the most common cause of mitral stenosis
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Other causes can include systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, metastatic tumour to the lung, and in rare cases, rheumatoid arthritis
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The person with mitral valve stenosis may experience shortness of breath after exertion, which progresses as time passes
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About 15% of people who have a narrowed mitral valve may develop chest pain as well due to the enlargement of the right ventricular wall
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Due to co-existing atrial fibrillation (irregular beating of the heart), the person may experience palpitations. Some may also have fainting episodes
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An enlarged left atrium can cause the compression of the nerve that is responsible for vocal cord movement and swallowing, causing hoarseness of voice
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Mild cases of mitral valve stenosis may not require any treatment but MS with symptoms may need medications, and surgery in some cases.