Mitral Valve Stenosis

Serious heart damage can result from long-term mitral valve stenosis. If you have been diagnosed with the condition, it is important to talk to your doctor about how often you should be examined.

Symptoms

Be especially alert for new symptoms or symptoms getting worse, such as:

• Shortness of breath.
• Pounding of the heart.
• Unusual fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Fainting.
• Chest pain.

Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if new symptoms start.

Exercise

People who have severe mitral valve stenosis may need to be cautious about their level of physical activity. If you don't exercise, talk to your doctor before you start. You may be able to do certain types of exercise that don't put undue strain on your heart.

If you don't have symptoms, discuss exercise with your doctor. If your stenosis is mild, normal activities, mild exercise, and in some cases competitive sports may be allowed. But if your stenosis is moderate or severe and you have symptoms, you should avoid strenuous activity. You may be able to do low-level activities to help keep your heart healthy.

If you have a physically demanding job, you may need to change careers. Talk with your doctor to determine a safe level of activity.

Diet

Depending on how bad your condition and symptoms are, your doctor may advise you to limit salt in your diet to less than 2,300 mg a day. If you consume too much sodium, it will cause your body to retain excess fluid. Excess fluid in the body will cause swelling, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and other unpleasant side effects.

Salt restriction usually includes avoiding potato chips, pretzels, salted nuts, processed meats and cheeses, pizza, canned soups, canned vegetables, olives, fast foods, and frozen dinners (unless the label clearly states the product is low-sodium). Add more fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet to replace foods high in sodium.

When you are grocery shopping, check labels carefully for hidden sodium.

Antibiotics

If you have an artificial valve, you may need to take antibiotics before you have certain dental or surgical procedures. The antibiotics help prevent an infection in your heart called endocarditis.