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Valvular heart disease refers to conditions that affect the valves of the heart, which play a crucial role in ensuring the proper flow of blood through the heart chambers.
What Is Valvular Heart Disease?
Valvular heart disease is a group of conditions that affect the valves of the heart. The heart has four valves—two atrioventricular (AV) valves (the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve) and two semilunar (SL) valves (the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve). These valves play a crucial role in maintaining the unidirectional flow of blood through the heart chambers, ensuring that blood moves efficiently from one chamber to another and then out to the body or lungs.
Valvular heart disease can be broadly categorised into two types:
- Stenosis – This occurs when a heart valve becomes narrowed or constricted, reducing the flow of blood through the valve.
- Regurgitation (insufficiency or incompetence) – This occurs when a heart valve does not close properly, leading to the backward flow of blood.
What Causes Valvular Heart Disease?
Valvular heart disease is often caused by conditions that affect the heart valves, leading to their dysfunction or damage. Some causes of valvular heart disease include:
- Older age
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Some infections such as rheumatic fever or blood infections
- Bacterial infections, such as endocarditis.
- Hypertension
- Connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Valvular Heart Disease?
Valvular heart disease can present with various symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Palpitations
- Dizziness or fainting
- Leg swelling (Oedema)
How Is Valvular Heart Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosing valvular heart disease involves taking a medical history, and performing a physical examination. Examination findings may include the presence of a heart murmur in addition to finding an enlarged heart, fluid in the lungs or legs. An echocardiogram will be performed which can demonstrate abnormalities of the heart valves, and if further clarity is needed a transoesophageal echocardiogram or cardiac MRI may be performed.
What Are The Treatment Options For Valvular Heart Disease?
Treatment for valvular heart disease would depend on your age, the underlying cause for the valve disease, the valve involved and the severity of the damage. As valvular heart disease is a structural problem, medicines do not cure the disease. Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Anticoagulation therapy may be prescribed to prevent blood clots if there is concomitant irregularity of the heart rhythm.
In the event the valvular heart disease is severe, particularly if accompanied by symptoms of evidence of enlarging heart chambers or any deterioration of heart function surgical or transcatheter options may be recommended. This includes valve repair or replacement, which sometimes may be performed using a minimally invasive approach. Lifestyle modifications and ongoing monitoring are crucial components of comprehensive care tailored to the specific type and severity of valvular heart disease.
Can Valvular Heart Disease Be Prevented?
Preventing valvular heart disease involves addressing risk factors and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy weight contribute to cardiovascular health.
Managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes and maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of valve-related complications. Early detection and treatment of infections, especially strep throat, can also play a role in preventing certain types of valvular heart disease.
