-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Valve Regurgitation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Introduction
Heart valve regurgitation occurs when a heart valve does not close properly, leading to the backward flow of blood. This condition can affect any of the four heart valves: - Mitral valve regurgitation (most common) - Aortic valve regurgitation - Tricuspid valve regurgitation - Pulmonary valve regurgitation
Causes of Heart Valve Regurgitation
Regurgitation can be caused by several factors, including: - Congenital heart defects (present at birth) - Rheumatic fever (a complication of strep throat) - Endocarditis (infection of the heart valves) - Degenerative valve disease (aging-related wear and tear) - Heart attack (damages heart structures) - High blood pressure (puts excessive pressure on valves) - Marfan syndrome or other connective tissue disorders
Symptoms of Heart Valve Regurgitation
Some mild cases may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, moderate to severe regurgitation may present with: - Shortness of breath , especially during physical activity or when lying down - Fatigue and weakness - Palpitations or irregular heartbeats - Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen - Chest pain or discomfort
Diagnosis
A doctor may use the following tests to diagnose and assess regurgitation severity: - Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Chest X-ray (to check heart size) - Cardiac MRI (for detailed imaging) - Cardiac catheterization (for precise measurement of heart function)
Treatment Options
The treatment depends on the severity of regurgitation and symptoms:
1. Medications
While medicines cannot cure regurgitation, they may help manage symptoms: - Diuretics (help remove excess fluid) - Beta-blockers (reduce heart strain) - ACE inhibitors (lower blood pressure and heart workload) - Anticoagulants (if there is a risk of blood clots)
2. Surgical Treatment
Severe cases may require surgery to repair or replace the affected valve: - Valve repair (preferred when possible, using techniques like annuloplasty) - Valve replacement (mechanical or biological valves may be used)
3. Lifestyle Changes
- Regular check-ups to monitor heart function
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Controlling high blood pressure or diabetes
- Exercising regularly (as advised by a doctor)
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Conclusion
Heart valve regurgitation can range from mild to severe, and early detection through regular heart check-ups is essential. If you experience symptoms, consult a cardiologist to prevent complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2024/03/13/18/13/2024-acc-aha-clinical-performance-valvular
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17259184/
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.