Written by Valve Disease: A Comprehensive Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Heart valve disease is a condition in which one or more of the four heart valves does not function properly. This can cause the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to a number of health problems, including heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmias.
Causes of valve disease
There are many different causes of valve disease, including:
- Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with heart valve defects.
- Rheumatic fever: This is a bacterial infection that can damage the heart valves.
- Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, including the heart valves.
- Aging: As people age, their heart valves can become weakened and narrowed.
- Other medical conditions, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, can also increase the risk of valve disease.
Symptoms of valve disease
The symptoms of valve disease can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- Palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or skipping a beat)
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Diagnosis of valve disease
Valve disease can be diagnosed with a number of tests, including:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will listen to your heart for any abnormal sounds, such as a heart murmur.
- Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound of the heart that can be used to visualize the heart valves and assess their function.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can be used to detect arrhythmias.
- Chest X-ray: This test can be used to look for signs of heart enlargement or pulmonary edema.
- Cardiac catheterization: This invasive test involves threading a thin tube through a blood vessel to the heart to measure blood pressure and oxygen levels in the heart chambers.
Treatment of valve disease
The treatment of valve disease depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some people with mild valve disease may not require any treatment, while others with more severe valve disease may need medication, surgery, or other procedures.
Medications
Medications that may be used to treat valve disease include:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be used to treat endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart valves.
- Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants may be used to prevent blood clots from forming, which can reduce the risk of stroke and other complications.
- Diuretics: Diuretics may be used to reduce swelling caused by valve disease.
- Vasodilators: Vasodilators may be used to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Surgery
Surgery may be an option for people with severe valve disease that does not respond to medication. Some of the types of surgery that may be used to treat valve disease include:
- Valve repair: Valve repair surgery involves repairing the damaged heart valve.
- Valve replacement surgery: Valve replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged heart valve with a prosthetic valve.
Other procedures
Other procedures that may be used to treat valve disease include:
- Balloon valvuloplasty: Balloon valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a balloon catheter into the heart and inflating it to widen a narrowed heart valve.
- Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI): TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure that involves implanting a new aortic valve through a catheter inserted into the groin artery.
Prognosis for valve disease
The prognosis for valve disease varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, most people with valve disease can live long and productive lives.
If you have any concerns about your heart health, talk to your doctor. They can perform the necessary tests to diagnose any valve disease and recommend the best course of treatment.