Increased prevalence of mitral stenosis in women

J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2006 Jul;19(7):911-3. doi: 10.1016/j.echo.2006.01.017.

Abstract

Introduction: The reported data in regard to increased prevalence of mitral stenosis (MS) in women are contradictory. The goal of this study was to investigate the sex-specific prevalence of MS as a surrogate for rheumatic heart disease.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 24,265 echocardiograms performed at our institution between 1984 and 1998. The prevalence of MS as a surrogate of rheumatic heart disease was calculated based on sex. As a control, the prevalence of mitral regurgitation was evaluated in both sexes.

Results: Echocardiograms were performed on 12,926 female (53%) and 11,339 male (47%) patients. MS was significantly more prevalent in women (1.6% vs 0.4%, P < .001). The prevalence of mitral regurgitation was similar between the two sexes (24.4% in women vs 25% in men).

Conclusion: Our study is the largest to date to find increased prevalence of MS in women. The cause of this association is not known.

MeSH terms

  • California / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sex Factors
  • Ultrasonography