5. Mitral valve stenosis
Mitral valve stenosis is a condition where the mitral valve of the heart narrows abnormally blocking the flow of blood into the heart’s main chamber. As a result, a person experiences fatigue and difficulty breathing among several other complications. Rheumatic fever is feared to be the main cause of this condition.
The infection scars the mitral valve of the heart causing the narrowing. Although rheumatic fever is pretty rare in the United States, the condition is still a real danger in developing countries. If left unattended, the mitral valve stenosis can lead to severe complications of the heart.
Individuals suffering from this condition may cough up blood among other symptoms like dizziness, chest pains, fatigue, swollen feet and shortness of breath. The symptoms of mitral valve stenosis amplify with time which is why it is extremely important to see a doctor whenever the first signs manifest.