Methods
We included 46 patients with mild mitral stenosis (mitral valve
area>1.5 cm2) between January
2015-January 2016. The patients were evaluated with comprehensive 2D and
Doppler echocardiography during rest, before the exercise stress test.
Left atrial and ventricular peak systolic strain values were calculated
by using a software program (Figure 1&2). Exercise stress test was then
performed by using treadmill with standard Bruce protocol. All of the
patients completed the test successfully and reached the 85% of age
predicted maximal heart rate. Immediately after the termination of the
test, the echocardiographic examination was repeated.