ConditionandTreatments

Heart Valve Blockage/Leakage or Valvular Heart Disease

Overview

Heart valve blockage, also commonly known as valvular stenosis, or leakage, also known as valvular regurgitation, occurs when one or more of the heart valves do not function properly, causing compromised forward or backward blood flow. This condition can affect any of the heart's four valves: Mitral, Aortic, Tricuspid, or Pulmonary valve. Over time, this can lead to heart enlargement, reduced heart function, and heart failure.

Our team of dedicated cardiac specialists is well-prepared to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care, prioritizing the well-being of every patient we serve. Recognizing the unique challenges posed by valvular heart disease, we strive to manage and treat this condition with utmost diligence, ensuring you receive the best care and support possible. Trust Yatharth Hospital, one of the premier heart hospitals in India, for the expert care your heart deserves.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of heart valve disease can vary depending on the severity and which valve is affected. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or when lying flat.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and reduced ability to exercise.
• Palpitations: Sensation of a rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
• Dizziness or Fainting: Feeling lightheaded or faint, often due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
• Swelling in Feet, Hands, or Abdomen
• Fever: with no obvious cause
• It may be a part of a systemic disorder, like Marfan's syndrome or osteogenesis imperfecta.

Risk Factors of Valvular Heart Disease

Several factors can increase the risk of developing heart valve disease, including:

• Advanced Age: The risk increases with age.
• Infections: Certain infections that affect the heart can contribute to valve disease.
• Heart Disease History: Previous heart disease or heart attack can increase risk.
• Chronic Conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other heart disease risk factors.
• Congenital Heart Conditions: Heart conditions present since birth.

Complications of Valvular Heart Disease

Heart valve disease can lead to several serious complications, such as:

• Stroke: Blood clots blocking or bursting a blood vessel in the brain.
• Blood Clots: Formed in the heart that can travel to the brain or lungs.
• Heart Rhythm Abnormalities: Disruptions in the electrical signals that control the heartbeat.
• Heart Failure: The heart's inability to pump blood effectively.
• Death: In severe cases, heart valve disease can be fatal.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing heart valve disease involves a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and a range of diagnostic tests. At Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, our diagnostic approach includes:

• Physical Examination: Listening for abnormal heart sounds, such as murmurs, which can indicate valve disorder.
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess valve structure and function, and to measure the severity of disease.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Recording the electrical activity of the heart to detect rhythm abnormalities.
• Chest X-ray: Imaging to check for heart enlargement and fluid in the lungs.
• Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: Detailed imaging to provide a comprehensive view of the heart's anatomy and function.
• Cardiac Catheterization: Invasive procedure to measure pressures within the heart chambers and assess the severity of valve leakage.

Treatment

Medical Management

Medications: Various medications can help manage symptoms and prevent complications, including:

• Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup and relieve swelling.
• ACE Inhibitors or ARBs: To relax blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart.
• Beta Blockers: To slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
• Anticoagulants: To prevent blood clots in patients at risk.

Surgical Treatment

• Valve Repair: A surgical procedure to repair the damaged valve, often preserving the patient's own valve tissue and improving function.
• Valve Replacement: Replacing the damaged valve with a mechanical or biological valve when repair is not possible.
• Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery: Minimally invasive techniques using robotic assistance for precision, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
• Transcatheter Valve Replacement: A minimally invasive procedure for patients who are high-risk surgical candidates, involving the insertion of a new valve via a catheter.

Care After Valvular Heart Disease Surgery

Post-surgery care for the valve is crucial. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent oral infections, and measures should be taken to avoid skin and lung infections. With proper care, valve replacement is an effective procedure that allows patients to enjoy a comfortable life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is heart valve disease diagnosed?

Heart valve leakage is diagnosed through physical examinations, echocardiograms, ECGs, chest X-rays, cardiac MRI or CT scans, and sometimes cardiac catheterization.

What are the treatment options for heart valve disease?

Treatment options include medications to manage symptoms, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions such as valve repair, valve replacement, robotic surgery, and transcatheter valve replacement.

Can heart valve disease be cured?

While heart valve disease can often be effectively managed and treated, the prognosis depends on the severity and the underlying cause. Some cases may require lifelong medical management, while others can be corrected surgically.

What lifestyle changes are recommended for managing heart valve disease?

Recommended lifestyle changes include maintaining a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress.

What are the symptoms of heart valve disease?

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, swelling in the legs or abdomen, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.

When should I see a doctor for heart valve disease?

You should see a doctor if you experience symptoms such as persistent shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, chest pain, or if you have a known heart murmur or history of heart valve problems.

Conclusion

Heart valve disease requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, which we provide at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital with our team of skilled cardiologists and cardiac surgeons with advanced medical facilities. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our Department of Cardiac Sciences. Your heart health is our priority.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Gautam Agarwal, Senior Consultant - CTVS, Cardiac Sciences, Cardiac Surgery (CTVS) on 1 July 2024.