Which common event can indicate a progression of mitral stenosis?

The development of atrial fibrillation is a common event that signifies the progression of mitral stenosis. In mitral stenosis, the narrowing of the mitral valve impedes normal blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, leading to increased pressure in the left atrium. Over time, this elevated pressure can cause structural changes in the atrial wall, predisposing patients to atrial dilation and, subsequently, atrial fibrillation. This arrhythmia is especially notable because it can exacerbate symptoms of heart failure due to the loss of effective atrial contraction, which is even more significant in patients with mitral stenosis. Therefore, the onset of atrial fibrillation is a clear indicator that the condition may be worsening, and it can lead to complications such as increased risk of thromboembolism.

Sudden weight gain is more typically associated with fluid retention and heart failure rather than directly indicating the progression of mitral stenosis. Daily fatigue can result from various causes, including heart dysfunction, but it is a nonspecific symptom and does not provide a clear indication of the progression of mitral stenosis specifically. Increased appetite is unlikely to be related to mitral stenosis progression; typically, patients may experience decreased