Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease refers to when one or more of the four valves in the heart does not work properly. These valves control blood flow through the heart, ensuring it moves in the right direction. When a valve is damaged or diseased, it can disrupt blood circulation, forcing the heart to work harder and potentially leading to serious complications like heart failure, stroke, or arrhythmias.
Types of Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease can develop in different ways, depending on how the valves are affected:
- Stenosis: The valve becomes stiff or thickened, narrowing the opening and restricting blood flow. Common examples include aortic stenosis and mitral stenosis.
- Regurgitation (Insufficiency): The valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. This can occur in conditions like mitral regurgitation or aortic regurgitation.
- Prolapse: The valve’s flaps (leaflets) bulge or collapse backward, which may cause leakage. Mitral valve prolapse is one of the most common types.
Causes & Risk Factors
Heart valve disease can develop due to congenital (present at birth) conditions or be acquired over time. Common causes include:
- Aging: Valves naturally thicken and stiffen with age.
- Rheumatic Fever: A past infection can cause scarring and valve damage.
- Infections (Endocarditis): Bacterial infections can damage the heart valves.
- High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Increased heart strain can lead to valve dysfunction.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Some individuals are born with abnormal valve structures.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus can contribute to valve inflammation and damage.
Signs & Symptoms
Mild heart valve disease may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as the condition progresses, individuals may experience:
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity or lying down
- Fatigue or weakness
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (edema)
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- A heart murmur, often detected during a physical exam
Treatment Options
The approach to treating heart valve disease depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on heart function.
- Medications: While medications cannot fix a damaged valve, they can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Common prescriptions include blood thinners, diuretics, beta-blockers, and medications to control blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms.
- Valve Repair: Some valve defects can be corrected through procedures like balloon valvuloplasty (to widen a narrowed valve) or annuloplasty (to reinforce the valve's ring).
- Valve Replacement: If a valve is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced with either a mechanical valve (which requires lifelong blood thinners) or a biological valve made from human or animal tissue.
- Minimally Invasive & Surgical Procedures: Depending on the condition, treatment may involve open-heart surgery or less invasive approaches like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience worsening symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or swelling, seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.
