What is a common symptom of mitral stenosis?

Shortness of breath on exertion is a hallmark symptom of mitral stenosis and can be attributed to the increased pressure in the left atrium, which occurs when blood flow through the narrowed mitral valve is impeded. As a result, more blood accumulates in the left atrium, leading to pulmonary congestion when a patient exerts themselves, such as during physical activity. This congestion manifests as dyspnea, especially during exercise. Over time, the patient may also experience shortness of breath during rest or even when lying flat, a condition known as orthopnea.

While severe chest pain can occur in some cardiovascular conditions, it is not specifically associated with mitral stenosis. Palpitations, which can occur in various arrhythmias often related to underlying heart conditions, are not exclusively linked with mitral stenosis and may not be limited to nighttime. Constant fatigue is a non-specific symptom that can apply to many conditions, but it is not as distinctively characteristic of mitral stenosis as dyspnea on exertion.