Heart Valve Disease
What is Heart Valve Disease?
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves malfunction. The heart has four valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary) that ensure blood flows in the correct direction through the heart’s chambers and to the rest of the body. When these valves malfunction, it can disrupt blood flow and strain the heart.
Types of Heart Valve Disease
- Stenosis: The valve opening is narrowed, restricting blood flow.
- Regurgitation (Insufficiency or Incompetence): The valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backwards.
Causes of Heart Valve Disease
- Congenital Heart Defects: Malformations present at birth.
- Age-related Changes: Calcium deposits and tissue thickening.
- Rheumatic Fever: A complication of untreated strep throat.
- Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valves.
- Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle.
- Heart Attack: Can damage the heart and valves.
- Radiation Therapy: To the chest area.
Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying down.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.
When to Seek Medical Help
- If you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting.
- If you have symptoms of heart failure (e.g., significant swelling, fatigue, and shortness of breath).
- If you notice rapid or irregular heartbeats.
Diagnosis
To diagnose heart valve disease, we may use:
- Physical Examination: Listening to your heart with a stethoscope for abnormal sounds.
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound to visualise valve structure and function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity.
- Chest X-ray: Examines the size and shape of the heart.
- Cardiac MRI: Detailed images of the heart and valves.
- Cardiac Catheterisation: Measures pressures in the heart chambers and evaluates valve function.
Treatment
Treatment for heart valve disease depends on the severity and type of valve dysfunction:
- Medications: To manage symptoms and prevent complications (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers, anticoagulants).
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and weight management.
- Monitoring: Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider to monitor valve function.
Procedures and Surgeries:
- Balloon Valvuloplasty: To widen a stenotic valve.
- Valve Repair: Keyhole or surgical repair of the valve.
- Valve Replacement: Keyhole or surgical replacement with a mechanical or biological valve.
Prevention
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Manage risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Prevent infections that can affect the heart by practising good hygiene and getting appropriate vaccinations.
- Follow your treatment plan and attend regular check-ups.
Important Notes
- Heart valve disease can worsen over time, so early detection and regular monitoring are important.
- Adhere to your prescribed medication and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Inform your healthcare provider of any new or worsening symptoms promptly.
For more information or if you have any concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.