heart and blood vessel disorders
Mitral Stenosis
Diagnosis of Mitral Stenosis
Physical examination Echocardiography With a stethoscope, doctors may hear the characteristic heart murmur (abnormal heart sound) as blood tries to pass through the narrowed valve opening from the left atrium into the left ventricle. Unlike a normal valve, which opens silently, the abnormal valve often makes a snapping sound as it opens to allow blood into the left ventricle. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by Echocardiography and Other Ultrasound Procedures , which uses ultrasound waves to produce an image of the narrowed valve and the blood passing through it. Electrocardiography (ECG) and chest x-rays also provide useful information. 