Overview

You can work with your doctor to decide if you want your mitral valve repaired or replaced to treat mitral valve stenosis.

Many things play a role in this decision. These things include:

• If you have symptoms.
• If you have other health problems.
• How severe the stenosis is.
• The shape of the mitral valve.
• The risks of the procedure or surgery.

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Talk with your doctor about what matters most to you.

You might decide to have a procedure or surgery if the stenosis is bad enough that you have symptoms or if it can or has damaged your heart.

In general, mitral valve repair is preferred if your valve is suitable for it. The repair may be done with a procedure called a valvuloplasty or with a surgery. Valve replacement surgery might be done if the valve is damaged beyond repair.