Heart Valve Disease Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease refers to conditions where the heart’s valves don’t function correctly, leading to disruptions in blood flow. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.
Understanding Heart Valve Disease
Causes of Heart Valve Disease
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- Congenital Defects: Some individuals are born with heart valve abnormalities.
- Age-Related Changes: As people age, heart valves can degenerate and become less efficient.
- Infections: Infections, such as endocarditis, can damage heart valves.
- Rheumatic Fever: A complication of untreated strep throat that can harm heart valves.
- Calcium Buildup: Calcium deposits on the valves can cause stenosis (narrowing).
- Tumors: Rarely, tumors can affect heart valves.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Marfan syndrome can lead to valve problems.
Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- swelling in the ankles or abdomen
Risk factors
Several factors can increase your risk of heart valve disease, including:
- Older age
- History of certain infections that can affect the heart
- History of certain forms of heart disease or heart attack
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other heart disease risk factors
- Heart conditions present at birth (congenital heart disease)
What are the types of heart valve diseases?
- Regurgitation, or backflow, happens when the flaps of a valve don’t close tightly. This allows the blood to leak backwards. A common cause of regurgitation is prolapse, where the flaps of the valve flop or bulge back. Prolapse most often affects the mitral valve
- Stenosis happens when the flaps of a valve become thick, stiff, or stuck together. This prevents the heart valve from opening all the way. Not enough blood can pass through the valve. Aortic valve stenosis is a common type of stenosis. It affects the valve that controls blood flow into the large artery that carries blood out of the heart to the body.
- Atresia happens when a heart valve did not form properly and does not have an opening for blood to pass through.
Prevention
Prevention of heart valve disease primarily involves:
- Preventive Care: Treat and manage conditions like strep throat and high blood pressure promptly.
- Regular Check-ups: Maintain regular medical check-ups to detect and manage any valve issues early.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt heart-healthy habits, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking.
Treatments
Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the valve disease:
- Medications: To manage symptoms and underlying conditions.
- Valve Repair: In some cases, damaged valves can be surgically repaired.
- Valve Replacement: Severely damaged valves may require replacement with mechanical or biological valves.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Procedures like TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) offer less invasive options for some patients.
- Lifestyle Changes: Dietary modifications, exercise, and stress management can help improve overall heart health.
Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for heart valve disease.
Frequently Asked Question on Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease refers to conditions where the heart’s valves do not function correctly, leading to disruptions in blood flow.
Preventive measures involve managing underlying conditions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking prompt treatment for infections.
Diagnosis typically involves echocardiography and other imaging tests to assess valve function.
Treatment may include medications, valve repair, replacement, minimally invasive procedures, and lifestyle changes.
Individual experiences with heart valve disease can vary, and a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and treatment options.