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What is Mitral Stenosis?

Mitral stenosis occurs when the opening of the mitral valve becomes narrowed, making it harder for blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. The mitral valve is located between these two chambers of the heart.

Rheumatic heart disease is a major cause of mitral stenosis worldwide. In older adults, narrowing may also occur because of calcium deposits around the mitral valve. Other causes include congenital valve abnormalities and, less commonly, other conditions affecting the heart valves.

As the narrowing progresses, pressure can build up in the left atrium and the blood vessels supplying the lungs. Severe mitral stenosis may lead to pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs' blood vessels), atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm), blood clots, and heart failure.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely treatment can help relieve breathlessness and other symptoms, reduce pressure on the heart and lungs, manage complications such as atrial fibrillation, and prevent worsening heart failure. Regular assessment also helps determine whether monitoring, medicines, percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy, or surgery may be appropriate based on valve anatomy and disease severity.

What are the Common Symptoms of Mitral Stenosis?

  • Shortness of Breath: Breathlessness may occur during physical activity and can become more noticeable as the valve narrowing progresses.
  • Fatigue: Reduced blood flow into the left ventricle may contribute to tiredness and reduced physical endurance.
  • Palpitations: An irregular or rapid heartbeat may occur, particularly when atrial fibrillation develops.
  • Reduced Exercise Tolerance: Routine activities may become increasingly difficult because of breathlessness or fatigue.
  • Swelling: Fluid retention may cause swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs, particularly in more advanced disease.
  • Dizziness or Chest Discomfort: Some patients may experience lightheadedness or chest discomfort, especially during exertion.

Causes and Risk Factors of Mitral Stenosis

Causes

  • Rheumatic Heart Disease: Previous rheumatic fever can cause progressive scarring and narrowing of the mitral valve and remains the most common cause worldwide.
  • Mitral Valve Calcification: Calcium deposits can progressively restrict valve movement, particularly in older adults.
  • Congenital Mitral Stenosis: Some people are born with mitral valve abnormalities that cause narrowing.
  • Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions such as lupus can rarely contribute to mitral valve disease.
  • Other Structural Valve Changes: Less common abnormalities may also interfere with normal mitral valve opening.

Risk Factors

  • Previous rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease
  • Increasing age
  • History of valvular heart disease
  • Congenital heart abnormalities
  • Conditions associated with valve calcification
  • Certain autoimmune or inflammatory diseases
  • Previous heart-valve procedures

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Mitral Stenosis in Singapore

  • Advances in cardiac imaging and treatment planning help doctors assess mitral valve structure, determine the severity of narrowing, and select appropriate treatment options.
  • Depending on the patient's needs and the facilities available, assessment may include transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, three-dimensional echocardiography, cardiac CT, and specialised catheter-based evaluation. These techniques can help assess valve anatomy, calcium deposits, blood flow, and suitability for procedures such as percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy.

Treatment options for Mitral Stenosis

Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Commissurotomy (PMBC): Also known as Percutaneous Mitral Valvuloplasty (PMV), this is a catheter-based, first-line mechanical treatment to split open fused leaflets in patients with favourable rheumatic anatomy (measured via a low Wilkins score).

Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) : The standard open-surgical option using either a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve, reserved for patients with severe calcification, distorted subvalvular apparatus, or concurrent severe mitral regurgitation.


Cost Start From 22000Explore Options

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR): This specialised procedure (such as valve-in-mitral-annular-calcification, or ViMAC) is an emerging option for elderly, high-risk patients with degenerative disease who cannot undergo open surgery.

  • Clinical assessment:
  • Medical History: Assessment of breathlessness, fatigue, exercise tolerance, palpitations, previous rheumatic fever, heart disease, and medications.
  • Physical Examination: Evaluation of heart sounds, heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, signs of fluid retention, and other cardiovascular findings.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): May identify atrial fibrillation, heart-rate abnormalities, or other cardiac changes.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests may assess kidney function, electrolytes, blood counts, and other factors relevant to treatment.
  • Exercise Testing: Exercise or stress testing may be considered when symptoms and resting valve measurements do not clearly correspond.
  • Imaging Tests:
  • Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): The standard initial imaging test used to assess valve structure, valve area, blood-flow gradients, heart chambers, and pulmonary pressures.
  • Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): Provides detailed images of the mitral valve and left atrium and may be used before percutaneous commissurotomy to assess for blood clots and valve anatomy.
  • Three-Dimensional Echocardiography: Provides detailed assessment of valve morphology and can support procedural planning in selected patients.
  • Cardiac CT: May provide additional anatomical information, particularly when valve or mitral annular calcification needs further assessment.
  • Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed information about heart structure and function in selected patients.
  • Chest X-ray: May show enlarged cardiac chambers or changes associated with pulmonary congestion.
  • Cardiac Catheterisation: Can measure pressures within the heart and pulmonary circulation when non-invasive testing does not provide sufficient information or before selected interventions.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive tele-rehabilitation services designed to support Mitral Stenosis patients in Singapore. These services include:

  • Cardiac Rehabilitation: Structured rehabilitation may help improve exercise capacity and support recovery after valve procedures.
  • Gradual Physical Activity: Increase activity according to symptoms, valve severity, heart function, and medical advice.
  • Breathing and Functional Training: Selected patients may benefit from supervised exercises to improve functional capacity.
  • Long-Term Cardiac Follow-Up: Regular cardiology and valve-clinic assessments help monitor valve function, heart rhythm, symptoms, and treatment response.
  • Medicines for Mitral Stenosis may include diuretics, heart-rate controlling medicines, medicines for atrial fibrillation, and anticoagulants when indicated. These treatments can reduce symptoms and manage complications but do not reverse severe mechanical narrowing of the mitral valve. In rheumatic mitral stenosis with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation decisions require particular consideration because thromboembolic risk is increased.

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Hospitals for Mitral Stenosis in Singapore

Parkway East Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Parkway East Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Total capacity for 143 beds
  • Hospital rooms are available- Single room, 2-bedded room (8), 4-bedded room (2), Deluxe room, and Orchid/Hibiscus Suite
  • All rooms are equipped with all ensuite facilities like Free wifi, mini fridge, sofa couch, telephone, in-room safe, TV, etc.
  • Maternity wards- Accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under the World Health Organisations Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
  • 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 14 cots
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • 1 Operation Theatre with 5 Operating rooms
  • 1 Nursery with 30 cots
  • 1 Parentcraft room
  • 24-hour walk-in-clinic (for emergency)
  • 24-hour Pharmacy
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Mount Elizabeth Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Mount Elizabeth Hospital located in Singapore, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 345 bedded Hospital
  • Maternity wards
  • The Mount Elizabeth Patient Assistance Centre (MPAC)
  • 1 major operating unit with 12 operating rooms and 1 operating theatre dedicated to in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • High Dependency Unit (HDU)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Accident & Emergency Department
  • Rooms are categorized as Single rooms, 2-bedded rooms, 4-bedded rooms, Executive deluxe suite, Daffodil/Magnolia suite, VIP Room, and Royal Suite
  • All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
  • Parking lot
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Farrer Park Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Farrer Park Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Farrer Park Hospital located in Connexion, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • A medical centre is linked to the Farrer Park Hospital Complex, Connexion, Singapore
  • The focus of the hospital is to bring together two essential elements: those of healthcare combined with hospitality.
  • There is a building with 20 different stories which comprises Owen Link, hotel and spa.
  • Personal attention and patient care focus is maintained with a system in place of listening, analysing, evaluating and then implementing a treatment plan.
  • 121 bed capacity
  • Technology and innovations help provide the best of medical and surgical treatment options.
  • Professionally implemented international patient care systems
  • Suites: Cardiovascular, day surgery, endoscopy, major surgery, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and inpatient suite
  • Diagnostic imaging and intensive care unit
  • 24 hour emergency clinic and pharmacy
  • Facilities such as dialysis, nutrition services, rehab centre, and teaching clinic
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Why Choose Singapore for Mitral Stenosis Treatment?

  • Experienced Cardiac Specialists: Access to cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons experienced in managing valvular heart disease.
  • Advanced Valve Diagnostics: Major cardiac centres may offer advanced echocardiography, 3D imaging, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, and catheter-based assessment.
  • Percutaneous Valve Procedures: Eligible patients may have access to percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy and other catheter-based interventions.
  • Cardiac Surgery: Specialised centres can provide mitral valve repair, commissurotomy, and valve replacement when required.
  • Multidisciplinary Heart Teams: Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists, anaesthesiologists, and rehabilitation teams can collaborate on complex cases.
  • Personalised Treatment Planning: Treatment selection can consider valve anatomy, symptoms, pulmonary pressures, heart rhythm, age, associated conditions, and procedural risk.
  • Comprehensive Follow-Up: Long-term monitoring can help manage valve function, rhythm abnormalities, anticoagulation, and other complications.
  • International Patient Support: Many major Singapore hospitals assist international patients with appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, and follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment performed. Recovery after percutaneous balloon commissurotomy is generally shorter than recovery after open-heart surgery, while patients with untreated or chronic disease may require long-term monitoring and management.

Many people with mild or stable mitral stenosis can continue walking and performing routine activities. However, the appropriate level of physical activity depends on the severity of valve narrowing, symptoms, heart rhythm, and pulmonary pressure. If you experience new or worsening breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, or palpitations, stop exercising and seek medical advice. Severe or sudden symptoms require urgent medical assessment.

Many advanced Singapore cardiac centres offer echocardiography, transesophageal and 3D echocardiography, cardiac CT and MRI, cardiac catheterisation, percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy, valve surgery, intensive cardiac care, and cardiac rehabilitation.

Many major Singapore hospitals have international patient departments that help overseas patients with medical records, appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, interpretation (where available), and follow-up arrangements.

Search for a centre with experienced cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, advanced echocardiography, catheterisation facilities, and access to a multidisciplinary heart-valve team. For complex disease, experience with the specific mitral procedure being considered is also important.

The success rate depends on the cause and severity of stenosis, valve anatomy, heart function, pulmonary pressures, heart rhythm, age, associated conditions, and the treatment performed. Discuss individual outcomes with the treating heart-valve team.

Many Singapore cardiac centres have cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons experienced in evaluating and treating mitral valve disease through medical management, catheter-based procedures, and surgery.

Risks depend on the treatment. Medicines can cause side effects, and anticoagulants can increase bleeding risk. Balloon commissurotomy may involve bleeding, valve leakage, arrhythmias, blood-vessel complications, or other procedural risks. Surgery may involve bleeding, infection, arrhythmias, stroke, kidney complications, or anaesthesia-related complications.

Yes. Breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, and limitations in daily activities can affect quality of life. Appropriate medical management, valve intervention when indicated, rehabilitation, and regular follow-up can help manage symptoms and functional limitations.

Yes. Untreated significant mitral stenosis can progressively increase pressure in the left atrium and lungs and may contribute to atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, blood clots, and other cardiovascular complications.

Not all causes can be prevented. Preventing and appropriately treating streptococcal infections and rheumatic fever can help reduce the risk of rheumatic heart disease. Regular medical follow-up is important for people with known valve disease so providers can identify progression and complications early.

Yes. Rheumatic mitral stenosis is more common in regions and populations where rheumatic heart disease remains prevalent. Mitral stenosis related to valve calcification is more commonly seen with increasing age. People with a history of rheumatic fever, congenital valve abnormalities, or certain inflammatory conditions may also have an increased risk.

Author

Alvina Hasan
Alvina Hasan

M.Pharm

2 Year of Experience

Alvina Hasan is a dedicated medical researcher and scientific writer with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. She holds a B.Pharm from Jamia Hamdard University and an M.Pharm in Quality Assurance from DIPSAR University.

With deep medical expertise and a strong interest in healthcare communication, she focuses on transforming complex clinical and scientific information into clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand narratives. She develops insightful healthcare articles and research-driven content designed to support both medical professionals and patients, helping bridge the gap between advanced medical knowledge and practical understanding.

Readers can explore her published research and articles here:

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/868

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/870

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Reviewer

Dr. Nityanand Tripathi
Dr. Nityanand Tripathi

Interventional Cardiologist

29 Years of Experience

With a rich experience of more than 29 years, Dr. Nityanand has gained a vast spectrum of skills and expertise in performing all types of complex cardiac procedures. He is an expert in clinical & interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. He studied his medicine (MBBS) and MD from the Institute of Medical Sciences of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and later completed his DM in Cardiology from the prestigious King George Medical University, Lucknow. View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026