Valvular Heart Disease
About This Condition
Valvular heart disease arises from damage to the heart's valves. The heart consists of four valves that maintain the steady flow of blood.
Sometimes, when valves do not open or close entirely, the entire process of blood flow is disrupted. Valvular heart disease affects the four heart valves in the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid regions. Leaking and narrowing are the primary abnormalities that affect the heart valves. Leaking is due to the valve's inability to close efficiently, which causes blood to flow in the wrong direction. Narrowing occurs when a valve cannot open completely, making it more difficult for blood to flow through.
Symptoms
- Heart murmurs when doctors hear a whooshing sound through the stethoscope
- Chest tightness
- Bloating
- Lethargy
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Arrhythmia
Causes
Heart valve disease can occur due to stenosis, regurgitation when the flaps do not close securely and atresia when tissue obstructs blood flow to the heart's chambers. Several factors increase the risk of heart valve diseases, such as age, infections, high cholesterol, hypertension, and congenital heart disease.
Diagnosis
The several methods used to diagnose valvular heart disease include: Echocardiography utilises a wand-like instrument, a transducer, to create images of the heart. An electrocardiogram utilises pads held by wires fixed onto the chest to measure the heart's electrical pulses. Exercise/stress test places the heart muscle under stress and measures the muscle's response to the stress-induced activity. Cardiac catheterisation is a means of diagnosing valvular heart disease when all other methods fail to diagnose the condition.
Treatment
You can manage valvular heart disease and prevent further health decline by making healthy lifestyle choices and taking medications (blood thinners, etc.) as prescribed. However, surgical repair involves sealing holes in the valves, separating conjoined valve leaflets, removing valve tissue and repairing or replacing the cords of the valves. However, if there is no possible way of repairing or replacing components of the valve, Dr Hassen can replace the entire valve using a biologically-produced or mechanical valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need blood thinners after mechanical valve replacement?
You will need to take blood thinners following the procedure to prevent blood clot formation.
What is TAVR?
TAVR refers to transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a minimally invasive surgery that can be done to replace a diseased valve. A catheter is used to guide the replacement valve in the correct position.
Related Conditions
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is plaque build-up in the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart and its coverings. Plaque is predominately fat from saturated products and choline - a nutrient traced in red meat, dairy and eggs.
Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
An irregular heartbeat is what many doctors refer to as arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is inconsistent beating or fluttering of the heart muscle.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a term to describe the heart's poor ability to pump blood efficiently. Heart failure is mainly due to the weakening of the heart muscle.
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease is an abnormality affecting the heart which is present at birth. This congenital abnormality can affect the heart's valves, walls and blood vessels.
Medical Conditions Affecting the Heart
Heart disease refers to a collection of heart-related disorders affecting the performance of the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease is the most common medical condition affecting people worldwide. A high fat and cholesterol diet contributes to the development of coronary artery disease when the coronary arteries begin to narrow and restrict the flow of blood.
Related Procedures
Coronary Angiogram
A coronary angiogram utilises x-ray imaging to view the heart's blood vessels in detail. The test is designed to check for obstructions in the coronary arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure to reopen a blocked coronary artery. Fat and harmful cholesterol can get stuck in the coronary arteries and prevent smooth blood flow throughout the body.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a detailed scan used to analyse the heart and blood vessels. An ultrasound probe emits high-powered sound waves that produce echoes as the sound waves bounce against parts of the body.
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram
A transoesophageal echocardiogram is a test used to assess the heart's structure and function. Similar to a small microphone, a transducer emits high-powered ultrasound waves that penetrate the skin, bodily tissues and heart muscle.
Electrical Cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion is a quick and efficient procedure that corrects the irregular rhythm of the heart. A machine and adhesive patches (electrodes) deliver low-dose shock energy to the chest to control an abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial flutter.
Pacemaker Implants
A pacemaker is a 20-50g device inserted in the chest to correct a very slow heartbeat. The pacemaker emits electrical impulses that control the heart, preventing an irregular heartbeat.