The evaluation of mitral stenosis begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with mitral stenosis may include:

• Heart murmur
• Arrhythmias
• Atrial fibrillation
• Increased breathing rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Irregular pulse
• Leg swelling (bilateral)

Tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of mitral stenosis.

Tests that may be used to evaluate mitral stenosis include:

• Chest x-ray
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Exercise stress test
• Cardiac catheterization
• Echocardiogram

Less commonly used tests for mitral stenosis:

• MRI scan of the heart:
• Shows detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries
• SPECT scanning of the heart:
• Detects blood flow abnormalities to heart muscle
• Thallium heart scan
• Coronary artery CT scanning:
• Checks for possible obstructions in the coronary arteries