Overview
Heart valve disease, also known as valvular heart disease, is a condition where one or more of the heart valves don't work properly. The heart has four valves that regulate blood flow, and when these valves don't open or close correctly, blood flow through the heart can be disrupted. Heart valve disease can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life due to various causes and conditions, such as infections, other heart diseases, or wear and tear on the valves. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, swelling in the feet or ankles, and sudden weight gain. Treatment for heart valve disease depends on the affected valve, the severity of the condition, and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery to repair or replace the valve. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for regular checkups if you have a history of heart valve disease or other heart conditions.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of heart valve disease may include:
- Whooshing sound (heart murmur) when a doctor is listening to the heart with a stethoscope
- Chest pain
- Abdominal swelling (more common with advanced tricuspid regurgitation)
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath, particularly when active or lying down
- Swelling of your ankles and feet
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat These symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the heart valve disease, as well as the affected valve. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult your doctor for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing heart valve disease include: older age, history of certain infections that can affect the heart, history of certain forms of heart disease or heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other heart disease risk factors. Additionally, having certain heart conditions present at birth or other heart valve conditions can increase the risk of developing aortic valve regurgitation.
Development
Heart valve disease can develop in several ways:
- Congenital: Heart valve disease may be present at birth due to genetic or developmental issues that affect the formation of the valves.
- Acquired: Heart valve disease can also occur in adults due to a variety of causes and conditions. Some of these include: a. Infections: Certain viruses, such as the flu or measles, can cause inflammation of the heart valves, leading to damage and scarring. b. Other heart conditions: Imbalances in blood flow, abnormal heart structure, or other heart problems can put extra stress on the heart valves, causing them to deteriorate over time. c. Age-related wear and tear: As people age, their heart valves can experience natural degeneration, leading to stiffness, thickening, or leakage. d. Lifestyle factors: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other risk factors can contribute to the development of heart valve disease. In summary, heart valve disease can develop through congenital or acquired causes, with various conditions and factors contributing to its appearance.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you have symptoms that might suggest heart valve disease, you should see your doctor. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the ankles and feet, dizziness, and a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat. If you have a heart murmur, your doctor may suggest that you see a cardiologist. If you have chest pain, a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat, or shortness of breath during activity, you should call your health care provider for an immediate appointment.
Diagnosis
To diagnose heart valve disease, your doctor will conduct a physical examination, listen for a heart murmur, and may order several tests. These tests may include echocardiography, chest X-ray, exercise stress tests, cardiac CT, or cardiac MRI. An echocardiogram is a common test used to assess the structure of the heart, heart valves, and blood flow through the heart. A transesophageal echocardiogram may be used for a closer look at the heart valves. The specific tests depend on the type of heart valve disease suspected and the severity of the condition.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Heart valve disease can lead to several potential complications, such as:
- Atrial fibrillation (A-fib): Some people with severe tricuspid valve regurgitation may also have A-fib, a common heart rhythm disorder.
- Heart failure: Severe tricuspid valve regurgitation can cause pressure to rise in the right lower chamber (ventricle), leading to the right ventricle expanding and weakening over time, ultimately resulting in heart failure.
- Endocarditis: Infections affecting the inner lining of the heart can occur in people with heart valve disease, potentially causing inflammation, fever, and damage to the heart valves.
- Blood clots: Heart valve disease can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can travel to other parts of the body and cause serious complications, such as stroke or pulmonary embolism. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms that may indicate heart valve disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the ankles and feet, or a persistent whooshing sound (heart murmur) during a physical examination.
Prevention
Prevention of heart valve disease can be challenging, as many factors that contribute to its development are beyond personal control, such as genetics and age. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, do not smoke, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, and manage stress.
- Keep your heart healthy: Be aware of risk factors for heart disease and discuss with your healthcare provider how to prevent or manage them, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol levels.
- Take care of your teeth and gums: There may be a link between infected gums (gingivitis) and infected heart tissue (endocarditis). Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent this.
- Prevent rheumatic fever: Untreated strep throat infections can lead to rheumatic fever, which is a known cause of mitral valve stenosis. Ensure that you and your children seek medical attention for sore throats and follow the recommended course of antibiotics. While these steps may not completely prevent heart valve disease, they can help reduce your risk and promote overall cardiovascular health.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease.
Treatment
Treatment for heart valve disease depends on the specific type and severity of the condition. Some common treatments include:
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications like diuretics to manage symptoms like swelling, or anticoagulants to prevent blood clots in cases of valve damage.
- Lifestyle changes: Patients may be advised to make lifestyle changes, such as following a low-sodium diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking.
- Monitoring and regular check-ups: It's essential to have regular check-ups with a heart specialist trained in treating heart valve disease. This allows for early detection and management of any changes in the condition.
- Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the affected heart valve. This could include a valve repair or a valve replacement procedure. It's important to note that treatment for heart valve disease can vary depending on the individual case and the type of valve affected. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for heart valve disease, you should:
- Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions: When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do beforehand.
- Write down your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to heart valve disease.
- Write down key personal information, including a family history of heart disease and any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help remember the information received during the appointment.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as the cause of your symptoms, recommended tests, treatment options, and any restrictions you need to follow. Remember to discuss your diet and exercise habits with your doctor, and don't hesitate to ask other questions that may arise during the appointment.