The causes of embolism in mitral stenosis

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Mitral stenosis in patients can lead to embolism due to the tendency of mitral stenosis to cause enlargement of the left atrium. The enlargement of the left atrium is a key anatomical factor leading to atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmias. When atrial fibrillation occurs, it is easy for blood clots to form in the left atrium, especially in the area of the left atrial appendage. When a blood clot breaks off, it can travel with the bloodstream and cause occlusion of the corresponding blood vessels, resulting in embolic complications. Timely surgical intervention to treat mitral stenosis can effectively prevent complications such as atrial enlargement and blood clots caused by mitral stenosis.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Why does mitral stenosis cause thromboembolism?

Due to mitral stenosis, thrombus formation can sometimes occur, especially when ischemic cerebrovascular diseases lead to cerebral infarction. This is because mitral stenosis can cause emboli to dislodge and travel through the bloodstream to reach the cerebral arteries or veins, leading to thrombus formation. During this period, anticoagulant medications are sometimes used for treatment. If a patient has a history of mitral stenosis, it is necessary to actively use medications for treatment. During this time, it is also important to monitor changes in the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse to control the ventricular rate. Currently, treatment is primarily symptomatic, aimed at improving cardiac function.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Severe mitral regurgitation indicators

The criteria for judging mitral valve regurgitation mainly depend on the percentage of the regurgitation area in relation to the left atrial area. If the area of mitral regurgitation exceeds 40% of the left atrial area, it is medically termed as severe regurgitation. If it is below 20%, it is considered mild regurgitation. Generally, patients with severe regurgitation require surgical treatment. This treatment can be conducted through mitral valve replacement surgery or mitral valve repair surgery. Surgical treatment can effectively prevent the occurrence of heart failure, thereby improving the quality of life and extending the patient's lifespan.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Why does mitral stenosis cause enlargement of the left atrium?

Because mitral stenosis can lead to changes in the mitral valve, particularly causing excessive pressure in the left ventricle, this excessive pressure can lead to enlargement of the left atrium, which are complementary conditions. During this period, it is still important to actively manage the condition, using medication treatment. If the area of stenosis is relatively large, surgical treatment is needed, as balloon dilation can currently be used to alleviate this condition. Early treatment is best to relieve clinical symptoms. At the same time, it is also important to actively monitor changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse, so as to control the heart rate and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Is severe mitral valve regurgitation serious?

Mitral valve regurgitation can be mild, moderate, or severe, with severe mitral valve regurgitation being the most serious. Over time, severe mitral valve regurgitation can cause enlargement of the heart and a decreased heart pumping function, eventually leading to symptoms of heart failure. Patients may experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms. Additionally, there may be swelling in both lower limbs. When such symptoms occur, it is necessary to take diuretic medications under the guidance of a doctor to reduce heart strain, such as furosemide or spironolactone. If necessary, digoxin may be taken to strengthen the heart and improve symptoms of heart failure. After stabilization, a mitral valve replacement or repair surgery may be scheduled.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Mild to moderate mitral stenosis, how long?

If the patient has mitral stenosis which is mild and progressing to moderate, it will take a year or even longer. Because if mild cases are aggressively managed with medication, it can slow the further progression of the disease. Mitral stenosis is a type of rheumatic heart disease or heart valve disease, mainly causing symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, with severe cases also presenting with swelling of the lower limbs. For mild mitral stenosis, it is necessary to have regular hospital check-ups, particularly to actively prevent upper respiratory tract infections, as sometimes these conditions can occur after catching cold, and actively controlling respiratory inflammation can improve symptoms.