About-Cardio
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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.
Valvular Heart Disease (VHD)
Introduction
Valvular heart disease (VHD) refers to any condition that affects one or more of the heart’s four valves: the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. These valves ensure unidirectional blood flow through the heart, and their dysfunction can lead to serious cardiovascular complications.
Types of Valvular Disease
1. Stenosis
- The valve does not open fully, restricting blood flow.
- Common types: Aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis.
2. Regurgitation (Insufficiency)
- The valve does not close properly, leading to backward blood flow.
- Common types: Mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation.
3. Valve Prolapse
- Usually affects the mitral valve, causing it to bulge back into the left atrium.
4. Congenital Valve Defects
- Present at birth, may involve abnormal valve structure or function.
Causes of Valvular Disease
- Degenerative changes (aging, calcification)
- Rheumatic fever (often linked to untreated streptococcal infections)
- Infective endocarditis (bacterial infection of the heart valves)
- Congenital defects (present from birth)
- Other conditions (e.g., myocardial infarction, hypertension)
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen (edema)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves: - Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Chest X-ray - Cardiac MRI (for detailed imaging) - Cardiac catheterization (if detailed pressure measurements are needed)
Treatment Options
1. Medications
- Used to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
- Includes diuretics, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, and vasodilators.
2. Surgical or Interventional Procedures
- Valve repair (especially for mitral regurgitation)
- Valve replacement (bioprosthetic or mechanical valves)
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) (minimally invasive approach for aortic stenosis)
Prevention and Lifestyle Recommendations
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Treat infections promptly.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist.
Conclusion
Valvular heart disease can significantly impact heart function and overall health. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to improving quality of life and preventing complications.
Source recommendations
1. 2021 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.05.061
- https://www.eacts.org/clinical-practice-guideline/esc-eacts-guidelines-for-the-management-of-valvular-heart-disease/
2. 2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/12/16/21/58/2020-ACC-AHA-VHD-GL-Pt-1-GL-VHD
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33342586/
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.11.035
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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!
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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.