Valvular Heart Disease Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Valvular Heart Disease Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Definition

In valvular heart disease, one or more of the valves in the heart cannot function properly. The heart has four valves which ensure that blood flows in the right direction. However, sometimes the heart valves experience abnormalities, namely when the valves do not open or close properly. This can cause disruption of blood flow from the heart to other parts of the body.

Treatment of heart valve disease depends on the condition of the heart valve that is experiencing problems, the type of heart valve disease, and the degree of severity of the condition. Sometimes, heart valve disease requires surgery or heart valve replacement.

Symptoms

Some people with heart valve disease experience no symptoms for years. However, some of the signs and symptoms of heart valve disease can include:

  • Additional heart sounds (heart murmurs) when the doctor performs a physical examination of the heart using a stethoscope
  • Feeling tired
  • Shortness of breath, especially on exertion or when lying down
  • Swelling of the ankles and feet
  • Headache
  • Lost consciousness
  • Irregular heartbeat

Reason

The heart has four valves that ensure blood flows in the right direction. The four valves present include the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and aortic valve. Sometimes, the valve may not open or close properly. This condition disrupts blood flow from the heart to other parts of the body.

Heart valve disease can occur and is present at birth. However, this condition can also occur in adults due to various causes and conditions, such as bacterial infections and other heart conditions.

Abnormalities of the heart valves include:

  • Regurgitation. In this condition, the heart valves cannot close properly, which causes blood to flow backward. This is commonly encountered due to a heart valve that protrudes backward. This condition is called prolapse.
  • Stenosis. In stenosis, the heart valves become thick or stiff and may coalesce. This causes the passage of blood through the valve to become narrower so that only a small amount of blood can pass through the valve at one time.
  • Atresia. In this condition, valves have not formed, and dense tissue blocks blood flow between the heart’s chambers.

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing heart valve disease, including:

Diagnosis

To ensure heart valve disease, detailed medical information is needed, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations if needed. On supporting examinations, the doctor will check for heart murmurs, which can indicate an abnormality of the heart valves.

Some of the supporting examinations that can be done to diagnose heart valve disease are:

  • Echocardiography. In this test, sound waves are used to create an image of the heart. This examination can assess the structure of the heart, heart valves, and blood flow through the heart.
  • Electrocardiography. This test evaluates the heart’s electrical impulses and can detect enlarged heart chambers, heart disease, and lung conditions.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart. An MRI scan of the heart uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure. This examination can be done to determine the severity of the heart condition. The size and function of the lower heart chambers, also known as the ventricles, will also be assessed.
  • Stress test. This examination assesses activity tolerance and monitors the response of the heart to physical activity.

Treatment

Treatment for heart valve disease depends on the severity of the health condition being experienced, the presence of signs and symptoms, and the presence of worsening conditions. Doctors can suggest routine monitoring of conditions, suggestions for living a healthy lifestyle and taking medication to treat the symptoms you are experiencing.

In advanced cases, valve surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged heart valves.

Prevention

Prevention of heart valve disease can be done in conditions caused by rheumatic fever. Make sure you consult a doctor if you experience signs of a throat infection, in the form of sore throat, fever, and so on.

Early treatment of throat infections caused by Streptococcus bacteria can prevent rheumatic fever, which damages heart valves. Regular physical activity, a heart-healthy diet, and medications to lower cholesterol levels can prevent aortic stenosis. This means that it is an attempt to prevent the thickening and stiffness of the aortic valve.

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