Heart Valve Disease is a condition that affects the function of one or more of the heart’s four valves. These valves mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary ensure that blood flows in the right direction through the heart. When these valves do not open or close properly, it can cause serious health issues. At Muhil Heart Centre, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Heart Valve Disease, helping patients manage their symptoms and improve their heart health.
What is Heart Valve Disease?
Heart Valve Disease occurs when one or more valves in the heart become damaged or diseased, leading to improper blood flow. This can result in conditions such as stenosis (narrowing of the valve), regurgitation (leakage of blood backward), or prolapse (valve not closing properly). These problems can place strain on the heart and lead to complications if left untreated. Without timely intervention, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, increasing the risk of heart failure and other severe conditions.
Types of Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease comes in different forms, depending on which valve is affected and how it is impaired:
- Aortic Stenosis – The aortic valve becomes narrowed, making it hard for blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This can lead to chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, and, in severe cases, heart failure. Individuals with this condition often require valve replacement to restore normal blood flow.
- Mitral Regurgitation – The mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the heart instead of moving forward. Over time, this can lead to increased heart size, shortness of breath, and reduced oxygen delivery to the body.
- Tricuspid Valve Disease – The tricuspid valve can either become too tight (stenosis) or too loose (regurgitation), leading to improper circulation. This can cause swelling in the legs, fatigue, and fluid buildup in the abdomen.
- Pulmonary Valve Disease – Issues with the pulmonary valve affect blood flow from the heart to the lungs, reducing oxygenation. This condition can make it difficult for patients to engage in physical activity and lead to respiratory distress.
Each type of Valvular heart disease requires a unique treatment approach based on its severity and symptoms, making early detection crucial.
What are the Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease?
Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease may not always be noticeable in the early stages, but as the condition progresses, individuals may experience:
- Shortness of breath – This may occur during activity or while lying down. The heart struggles to pump oxygen-rich blood, making normal activities exhausting.
- Fatigue and dizziness – Reduced blood flow limits oxygen supply to the brain and muscles, leading to frequent tiredness and lightheadedness.
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen – Fluid buildup occurs due to the heart’s inefficiency in circulating blood properly.
- Chest pain or palpitations – Irregular heart rhythms, skipped beats, or fluttering sensations may occur, indicating the heart is under strain.
- Fainting or sudden weakness – In severe cases, limited oxygen to the brain can cause blackouts or fainting spells, requiring urgent medical attention.
If you experience these symptoms, seeking medical evaluation at Muhil Heart Centre can help diagnose and manage Heart Valve Disease effectively.
What Causes Heart Valve Disease?
There are several causes of Heart Valve Disease, including:
- Congenital Defects – Some individuals are born with valve abnormalities that affect heart function from birth. This can lead to complications later in life, even if there are no initial symptoms.
- Aging – Over time, calcium deposits can accumulate on the heart valves, causing them to stiffen and not function properly. This is a common reason for valve-related conditions in older adults.
- Infections – Conditions like rheumatic fever and infective endocarditis can damage heart valves. Bacterial infections that enter the bloodstream can attach to heart valves and cause significant damage.
- High Blood Pressure & Heart Attacks – These conditions strain the heart, leading to Valvular heart disease over time. The extra pressure can cause valve leaflets to thicken or stiffen, reducing their ability to open and close effectively.
Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors for Heart Valve Disease include:
- Age – Older adults are more prone to valve degeneration due to natural wear and tear.
- High Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure – These conditions increase the risk of valve damage by promoting calcium buildup.
- Obesity & Diabetes – These conditions strain the cardiovascular system and increase the likelihood of heart-related issues, including valve diseases.
- Rheumatic Fever History – A past infection can cause long-term valve damage, leading to complications decades later.
Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take preventive steps to maintain heart health.
What are the Complications of Heart Valve Disease?
If left untreated, Heart Valve Disease can lead to serious complications such as:
- Heart Failure – The heart becomes too weak to pump blood properly, leading to fatigue, fluid buildup, and organ damage.
- Stroke – Irregular blood flow can lead to clot formation, increasing the risk of stroke and other life-threatening conditions.
- Arrhythmia – Irregular heartbeats can develop due to improper valve function, increasing the risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest – Severe cases of Valvular heart disease may lead to life-threatening situations requiring immediate medical attention.
How is Heart Valve Disease Diagnosed?
At Muhil Heart Centre, diagnosing Heart Valve Disease involves:
- Physical Exam – Doctors listen for heart murmurs, which indicate potential valve issues.
- Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound imaging to check heart valve structure and function, identifying leaks, narrowing, or thickening of the valves.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Measures electrical activity to detect irregular heartbeats or signs of heart strain.
- Cardiac MRI & CT Scan – Provides highly detailed images of the heart’s valves, chambers, and overall structure.
- Cardiac Catheterization – A procedure where a thin tube is inserted into the heart to measure valve pressure and function, giving precise diagnostic information.
How is Heart Valve Disease Treated?
Treatment options depend on the severity of Heart Valve Disease and may include:
- Medications – To manage symptoms like high blood pressure and fluid retention, reducing strain on the heart.
- Valve Repair – Surgeons may reshape or tighten a valve to restore proper function, preserving the patient’s natural valve.
- Valve Replacement – In cases where the valve is severely damaged, it may be replaced with a mechanical or biological valve, improving heart efficiency.
- Lifestyle Changes – A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can significantly improve overall heart function and delay disease progression.
Can You Live with 3 Heart Valves?
A normal heart has four valves, but can you live with 3 heart valves? Yes, some people are born with only three valves, a condition called a bicuspid aortic valve. While many live healthy lives without symptoms, others may develop complications like valve narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation). Regular check-ups are essential for those with this condition. Can you live with 3 heart valves comfortably? It depends on individual health factors and any existing heart issues.
What is the Deadliest Heart Valve Disease?
Many people ask, what is the deadliest heart valve disease? The answer is aortic stenosis, especially in its advanced stage. When the aortic valve becomes too narrow, it restricts blood flow, leading to heart failure if untreated. Severe cases may require urgent surgery to prevent fatal outcomes.
Conclusion
Heart Valve Disease is a serious condition, but early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications. At Muhil Heart Centre, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and expert treatment options to manage Heart Valve Disease effectively.