Valvular heart disease
Valvular heart disease refers to any dysfunction or abnormality of one or more of the heart valves. The heart has four main valves: the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve. These valves ensure that blood flows in the correct direction through the heart’s chambers and into the major arteries. When these valves do not function properly, it can disrupt blood flow, leading to a variety of health issues.
Types of Valvular Heart Disease
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Stenosis: This occurs when a valve does not open fully, restricting blood flow through the valve.
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Regurgitation (Insufficiency or Incompetence): This happens when a valve does not close completely, allowing blood to flow backward.
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Atresia: A congenital condition where a valve is improperly formed or missing entirely, preventing blood flow.
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Common Affected Valves
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Aortic Valve Disease: Includes aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation.
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Mitral Valve Disease: Includes mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation, as well as mitral valve prolapse.
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Tricuspid Valve Disease: Includes tricuspid stenosis and tricuspid regurgitation.
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Pulmonary Valve Disease: Includes pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary regurgitation.
Causes Symptoms Diagnosis
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Congenital defects: Valve abnormalities present at birth.
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Rheumatic fever: A complication of untreated strep throat that can damage heart valves.
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Endocarditis: An infection of the heart valves.
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Degenerative changes: Age-related changes or conditions like calcification that affect valve function.
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Other factors: Such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and connective tissue disorders.
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Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying down.
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Fatigue.
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Swelling of the ankles and feet.
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Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats.
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Chest pain or discomfort.
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Dizziness or fainting.
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Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to evaluate valve function and structure.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
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Chest X-ray: Assesses the size and shape of the heart.
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Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of the heart valves.
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Cardiac catheterization: Invasive test to measure the pressure in the heart and to examine the heart valves directly.
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Treatment
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Medications: To manage symptoms and prevent complications, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants.
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Valve repair or replacement: Surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged valve. This can be done through traditional open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
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Lifestyle changes: Includes dietary modifications, regular exercise, and smoking cessation.
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​Managing valvular heart disease often requires a comprehensive approach involving cardiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals. The goal is to improve quality of life and prevent complications such as heart failure, stroke, or arrhythmias.