What is Valvular heart disease

Overview

Damage in one or more valves of the heart is known as valvular heart disease. Valves ensure that blood is flowing in the right direction. In some cases, valves may not open or close properly, disrupting the flow of blood. It is a rather serious condition that may require surgery. But the exact treatment varies depending on the affected valve.

Types

Valvular heart diseases may be of the following types:

• Endocarditis: It refers to the infection occurring in the inner lining of the heart. This is caused due to an infection in the blood.
• Rheumatic disease: It occurs due to untreated strep throat-causing bacteria. It usually occurs when strep throat isn’t treated with antibiotics and can lead to scarring in the heart. This is the most common type of valvular heart disease.
• Congenital heart valve disease: Some people are born without heart leaflets. Congenital heart valve defects are usually found in the Bicuspid aortic valve, which has only two leaflets instead of three.
• Aortic valve disease: Aortic valve diseases can be of two types. Aortic regurgitation occurs when the blood flows back into the left ventricle due to improper aortic valve closing. Aortic stenosis occurs when the valve’s opening is abnormally narrow, restricting blood flow to the aorta.
• Rheumatic heart disease: Rheumatic fever may sometimes affect the tissues connecting to the heart. This heart disease occurs when permanent damage is caused by rheumatic fever.

Causes

The causes of valvular heart disease are as follows:

• Autoimmune diseases like lupus
• Exposure to radiation
• Genetic conditions like
• Older people are at a higher risk of contracting valvular heart diseases
• Somebody with a family history of valvular heart disease is more prone to suffering from it
• Lack of physical activity, consumption of junk, etc
• Other health conditions like diabetes
• Radiation treatment

Symptoms

The symptoms of valvular heart disease may include:

• Severe chest pain
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the ankles and feet
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down or indulging in physical activities
• Heart murmurs(usually diagnosed during the physical exam)

Diagnosis

Several tests are performed to diagnose valvular heart disease. Some of them are:

• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiogram
• Cardiac MRI
• Stress tests
• Physical examination
• A thorough study of the family’s medical history

Treatment

Treatment of valvular heart disease depends on your symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Exercising regularly
• Consumption of certain medicines
• Blood thinners
• Heart valve repair
• Heart valve replacement
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing stress
• Following a balanced diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Prevention

You can reduce the risk of contracting valvular heart disease by:

• Regularly getting your heart murmurs checked
• Regularly indulging in physical activity
• Keeping your blood pressure under control
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Maintaining the health of your gums and teeth