What is the primary risk factor for mitral stenosis?

The primary risk factor for mitral stenosis is rheumatic fever. This condition frequently occurs as a complication of untreated streptococcal throat infections, which can lead to rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic fever primarily affects children and young adults, and its long-term effects can include damage to the heart valves, particularly the mitral valve, leading to mitral stenosis.

In this context, rheumatic fever results in scarring and thickening of the mitral valve leaflets, which impedes proper blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle during diastole. This obstruction increases pressure in the left atrium and can lead to atrial enlargement and other complications, such as atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension.

Other factors such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus can contribute to various cardiovascular problems, but they are not specifically associated with the development of mitral stenosis. Hypertension is more closely related to left ventricular hypertrophy and aortic issues, while coronary artery disease mainly affects myocardial function and blood supply, and diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and other vascular complications. Therefore, rheumatic fever stands out as the most significant and direct risk factor for mitral stenosis.