Mitral valve stenosis is when the mitral valve is able to only partially open. The mitral valve is a one-way valve in the left side of the heart that allows blood to fill the left ventricle. With a narrowed opening, less blood fills the left ventricle and there is less blood pumped out to the body.
Some children with mild mitral valve stenosis do not show any symptoms at all. Some will experience rapid breathing or slow growth. Older children may have trouble exercising or have to rest frequently.
Mitral valve stenosis is often caused by a heart defect present at birth. It can also be caused as a complication of rheumatic fever, although this is uncommon in the United States.
If mitral valve stenosis is severe, children may require a valve surgery.