Heart Valve Diseases & Its Preventions

 

Heart Valve Diseases & Its Preventions

 

Introduction:

Four chambers and four valves make up the human heart, which ensures the blood flows freely throughout the body. Heart valve disorders happen when these valves are harmed or malfunction, causing problems with blood flow. In order to properly manage this problem, it is essential to understand the causes, types, phases, signs and symptoms, diagnostic criteria, examinations, and therapy choices for heart valve diseases. In order to give thorough information about heart valve problems, we shall examine each component in depth in this blog.

Definition of Heart Valve Diseases:

Heart valve diseases refer to any condition that affects the valves of the heart, causing them to function improperly. The four valves in the heart are the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve. When these valves do not open or close correctly, it can result in a variety of issues, including restricted blood flow or regurgitation (backward flow of blood).

Causes of Heart Valve Diseases:

Heart valve diseases can be caused by various factors, including:

• Congenital defects: Some people have defective cardiac valves from birth.
• Age-related degeneration: Heart valves may stiffen or thicken with ageing, impairing their performance.
• Rheumatic fever: Rheumatic fever, which can harm valves, can result from untreated strep throat or scarlet fever.
• Infective endocarditis: This is an infection of the heart's and its valves' inner lining that is typically brought on by bacteria entering the bloodstream.
• Calcification: On the valves, calcium deposits can build up and cause stenosis or narrowing.

Types of Heart Valve Diseases:

Heart valve diseases can be classified into several types:

1. Valvular stenosis: The valve opening shrinks, limiting blood flow.
2. Valvular regurgitation: Because the valve does not close completely, blood flows backward.
3. Mitral valve prolapse: Its correct closure is hampered by the valve leaflets protruding back into the left atrium.
4. Infective endocarditis: Infection of the heart's valves and inside lining.
5. Congenital valve defects: Anomalies in the valves since birth.

Stages of Heart Valve Diseases:

Heart valve conditions can develop in various phases, from minor to severe:

Stage 1: Mild illness that frequently has no symptoms.

Stage 2: Mild to moderate condition with minimal symptoms when exercising.

Stage 3: Moderate illness that manifests symptoms throughout daily activities.

Stage 4: Severe illness that manifests even when you're not feeling well.

Signs and Symptoms:

Various signs and symptoms of heart valve conditions can include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen.
• Dizziness or fainting.

Diagnostic Criteria:

Doctors may carry out the following procedures to identify heart valve problems:

1. Physical examination: Using a stethoscope to listen to the heart's sounds and detect any unusual sounds or murmurs.
2. Echocardiogram: Using ultrasonography to view the heart and valves and evaluate their composition and functionality.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG): Monitoring the electrical activity of the heart to look for irregular rhythms.
4. Cardiac catheterization: Putting a catheter into blood arteries and measuring blood flow and pressure.

Investigations:

In order to evaluate the severity and breadth of heart valve problems, additional research may be required:

• Stress testing: Assessing heart function during exercise to see if symptoms are brought on.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): Using a specialised probe inserted in the esophagus to get images of the heart that are more clear.
• Chest X-ray: Presenting a comprehensive picture of the heart and lungs.
• Blood tests: Examining coagulation factors, monitoring organ function, and testing for infections.

Treatment Options:

The severity of the ailment determines the course of treatment for heart valve diseases:

• Medications: Drugs can help control blood pressure, treat symptoms, and stop blood clots.
• Lifestyle changes: Eating a heart-healthy diet, doing regular exercise, and giving up smoking.
• Valve repair: A broken valve may occasionally be surgically repaired to return to its normal function.
• Valve replacement: If restoration is not possible, a mechanical or biological valve may be used to replace the damaged valve.
• Transcatheter procedures: Without undergoing open heart surgery, valves can be repaired or replaced with less invasive methods.

 

Preventions of Heart Valve Diseases

 

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and controlling risk factors that may lead to the onset of heart valve illnesses are necessary for prevention. Here are some precautions to take:

1. Regular Exercise: Maintain a healthy weight, lower your blood pressure, and lessen your risk of developing heart valve problems by engaging in regular physical exercise. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.
2. Balanced Diet: Maintain a healthy diet that is well-balanced and consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of sodium, cholesterol, and saturated and Trans fats. This can aid in lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight.
3. Tobacco Avoidance: As smoking destroys blood vessels, raises the risk of heart disease, and hastens the advancement of valve illnesses, it is best to refrain from smoking and from being around others who are smoking.
4. Manage Blood Pressure: Adopt a low-sodium diet, limit alcohol intake, engage in regular exercise, and use prescribed medications as needed to maintain healthy blood pressure readings.
5. Regular Check-ups: Make appointments for routine checkups with your healthcare practitioner. They can keep an eye on your cardiovascular health, spot any early indications of heart valve issues, and offer suitable prevention advice.
6. Dental Hygiene: Practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. This helps prevent oral infections that can lead to infective endocarditis, a condition that affects heart valves.
7. Antibiotic Prophylaxis: The need for antibiotic prophylaxis before to specific dental or medical treatments should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner if you already have a pre-existing heart valve problem or have had valve replacement surgery. By doing so, the risk of infectious endocarditis is reduced.
8. Manage Chronic Conditions: The need for antibiotic prophylaxis before to specific dental or medical treatments should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner if you already have a pre-existing heart valve problem or have had valve replacement surgery. By doing so, the risk of infectious endocarditis is reduced.
9. Stress Management: Reduce chronic stress by engaging in activities you enjoy, such as yoga, meditation, or physical activity. Prolonged stress can lead to cardiac issues.
10. Stay Informed: Learn about heart valve conditions, including their symptoms and risk factors. This can help you spot any warning symptoms and quickly seek medical assistance.

Keep in mind that prevention is essential for lowering the prevalence and progression of heart valve problems. By putting these precautions into practice, you can encourage a healthy heart and general wellbeing.

Conclusion:

Heart valve conditions can have a substantial negative influence on a person's quality of life, but the results can be improved with early detection and the right care. Effective management requires an understanding of the causes, kinds, phases, signs & symptoms, diagnostic criteria, investigations, and treatment options. To ensure correct assessment and management, get medical advice as soon as you suspect any heart valve-related concerns. Do not forget that a healthy heart is necessary for a healthy existence.

 

Dr.Muhammad Arsalan Khan
MBBS, DHHM, MSc (D & E)
CCD-BMJ-AKU-RCP (London)