What exactly is Heart Valve Disease?
Heart valve diseases may affect any one of the valves that make up the heart.
These four valves function:
- The tricuspid valve is situated between your ventricle and right atrium.
- The pulmonary valve is situated in between the right ventricle and the pulmonary blood vessels.
- The mitral valve is situated in between the left atrium and the left ventricle
- The aortic valve is situated in between the left ventricle as well as the the aorta
The valves in your heart ensure that blood flow is in a straight line and doesn’t come out or leak. Heart valve diseases may affect the functioning of the valves.
Causes
A valve problem may be the result of many reasons. This can include:
- A congenital defect
- Inflammation of the tissue in your heart
- Rheumatic fever
- Heart attack
- Changes in your age including the degenerative changes that occur in your heart muscle
- The disease of the coronary artery.
- Problems with blood pressure that are related to it.
- The swelling or hardening of your arteries because of certain diseases.
- Chronic illnesses, like Lupus
Sights and indications
Certain people suffering from heart valve problems might not have symptoms. Some may have conditions including heart attack or blood clots. The symptoms vary based on severity condition and how it affects blood circulation. The symptoms are:
A shortness of breathing, heart palpitations or chest pain
- A headache, dizziness, or fatigue
- Retention of water in your abdomen or in the form of fluid accumulation in your lung.
The symptoms you experience could be related to the type of valve disorder that you suffer from.
Mitral valve prolapse
This disorder doesn’t permit your mitral valve close properly, causing the blood flow to return to the left atrium. The majority of patients with these conditions do not show symptoms. The signs and symptoms of mitral valve prolapse are:
- Heart palpitations and a lack of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
The people who suffer from this disorder typically have an aortic valve with two flaps instead of three flaps. Sometimes, the condition is discovered in the womb, and some times, the condition may not manifest any symptoms for years and could develop in later life. The symptoms that are associated with bicuspid aortic valve diseases are:
- Breathing difficulty or chest pain
- Fatigue and dizziness
Valvular stenosis
A failure of one valve to fully open which limits the amount of blood flowing through the valve because of the stiffening or thickening the valves in your heart can lead to valve stenosis. The signs and symptoms of valve stenosis are:
- Breathing difficulty or chest pain
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Fatigue
Valvular regurgitation
This is a condition that occurs when your valve is not closing properly, which causes blood to flow backwards. The signs and symptoms of valve regurgitation are:
- Breathing difficulty or chest pain
- Failing and dizziness.
- Heart palpitation
- Your feet are swelling
Tests and diagnostics
Your doctor will start your diagnosis by taking a listen to your heart using the stethoscope, looking for any signs that could be a sign of an issue with the heart valve. Your doctor can also take a look at your lungs and look for any signs of fluid accumulation and water retention.
Other tests that can be used to determine heart valve diseases include:
- Electrocardiogram tests are used to detect irregularities in the heart’s rhythm and also to look at your heart valves as well as their chambers.
- Cardiac catheterization involves a tube fitted with a camera on it. It takes pictures of the coronary arteries and the blood vessels.
- An X-ray of the chest or an MRI could reveal an expanded heart as well as other condition that is that is related to the valves.
- A stress test may determine the seriousness of your illness.
Treatment
The treatment for heart valve disorders is based on the severity of the condition. Your cardiologists may first ask you to stop smoking or drinking, and to adopt healthier eating routines.
Medicines
Beta-blockers can help regulate the flow of blood and your heart rate
- Vasodilators to dilate blood vessels
- Diuretics that reduce the retention of water.
Surgery
Surgery is recommended when your symptoms become more severe. The heart valve is repaired by:
- Your tissue
- A valve for animals is a must if you’re eligible for a bio valve replacement
- A valve that is mechanically built or a valve taken from the donor
- Valvuloplasty is an approach which helps to expand the valve’s size by opening it
Find a Cardiovascular Specialist to consult
If you’re suffering from the above-mentioned symptoms and signs, be sure you contact cardiologists, who will examine your heart health and evaluate your symptoms and suggest the best treatment for you.
