Mitral StenosisNancy McDaniel M.D.In this heart defect the heart has four chambers and four valves. The valve between the left collecting chamber and the left or main pumping chamber is too small or does not open wide enough. This causes increased pressure in the left collecting chamber and in the lungs. This narrowed valve can cause poor feeding, poor growth, and poor ability to exercise. The valve can be narrow from birth (congenital) or can be narrowed because of rheumatic fever (acquired). Medication may help the child grow and relieve some of the lung problems, but the child will eventually will have to have surgery to replace the valve. After valve replacement, the child is usually put on medicine to thin the blood.
 Normal Heart  |