Atrioventricular Valve Dysfunction: Causes, Effects, and Mitral Stenosis

Atrioventricular valves must not be completely closed during atrial contraction, or blood would remain trapped in atria, reducing oxygenated blood output. In mitral stenosis, the mitral valve (left atrium to left ventricle) doesn't open fully, impairing left ventricular filling and causing back-pressure in pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary hypertension and eventually right heart failure.