What might cause mitral valve stenosis?

Mitral valve stenosis is primarily caused by rheumatic fever, which is an inflammatory disease resulting from untreated strep throat. When the heart valves are affected, they can become scarred and thickened, leading to stenosis. This condition restricts blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, ultimately affecting the heart's efficiency and potentially leading to various complications, such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation.

Rheumatic fever is most common in developing countries but remains a risk in developed nations, especially in populations with lower access to healthcare. The association with rheumatic fever is particularly significant because it specifically targets the heart valves, including the mitral valve, and can lead to chronic issues such as mitral valve stenosis years after the initial infection.

Other conditions mentioned, such as heart attacks, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, can have various effects on heart health but do not directly lead to mitral valve stenosis in the way that rheumatic fever does. Thus, the connection between rheumatic fever and mitral valve stenosis is key in understanding this cardiac condition.