-
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: An Overview
Introduction
Valvular heart disease (VHD) refers to damage or dysfunction in one or more of the heart valves, leading to impaired blood flow. The four valves of the heart—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary—ensure unidirectional blood flow. When these valves fail to open or close properly, it can lead to significant health consequences.
Causes of Valvular Heart Disease
VHD can be caused by various factors, including: - Congenital defects (present from birth) - Rheumatic fever (a complication of untreated streptococcal infections) - Aging (calcium deposits can build up, causing stenosis) - Infections such as infective endocarditis - Cardiomyopathies and other heart-related conditions
Types of Valvular Heart Disease
- Stenosis – A narrowing of the valve opening, restricting blood flow.
- Regurgitation (Insufficiency) – A valve that does not close properly, causing backward blood flow.
- Prolapse – A valve leaflet bulges backward, potentially leading to regurgitation.
Symptoms of Valvular Heart Disease
Symptoms depend on the severity and valve affected but can include: - Shortness of breath - Fatigue - Chest pain - Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) - Dizziness or fainting - Swelling in the legs and feet
Diagnosis of Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease is diagnosed using: - Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart, the gold standard for diagnosis) - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Chest X-ray - Cardiac MRI - Cardiac catheterization (in more complex cases)
Treatment of Valvular Heart Disease
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include: - Medications (to manage symptoms, not to cure the valve problem) - Balloon valvuloplasty (a procedure to widen a narrowed valve) - Valve repair surgery (preferred when possible) - Valve replacement surgery (mechanical or biological prosthetic valves)
Conclusion
Valvular heart disease is a serious condition that requires early detection and appropriate management. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options can help patients take proactive steps to improve their heart health.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2024/03/13/18/13/2024-acc-aha-clinical-performance-valvular
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9809971/
- 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/33332149/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of 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://eurointervention.pcronline.com/article/2021-esc-eacts-guidelines-for-the-management-of-valvular-heart-disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
-
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.