Heart valve disease is a critical issue affecting millions in India, leading to severe complications and high mortality rates. A recent study on heart valve disease in India was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in June 2024 (Source). This research focused on rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and analyzed data from 13,696 patients across 24 countries. It revealed a high mortality rate of 4.7% per patient year, primarily due to severe heart valve disease.
But what is heart valve disease, and what are its primary symptoms that can be discovered at an early stage and treated with supportive treatment by a healthcare professional for immediate care? Continue reading to get all the details!
The heart muscle consists of four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). Your heart has four valves that play a key role in keeping blood flowing in the right direction through each chamber.
Heart valve disease means one or more valves are not working adequately, i.e., do not open or close properly. This can disrupt the blood flow from the body to the heart and through the heart to the body.
Each valve acts as a one-way door, opening with each heartbeat to let blood flow from its chambers and closing to restrict blood flow backwards. The four heart valves function in the following manner:
Heart valve disease means any of the four heart valves are not working, disrupting the blood flow.
Heart valve disease is distinct from normal health conditions due to its impact on the heart's ability to regulate blood flow efficiently. Unlike a healthy heart, which pumps blood seamlessly, heart valve disease involves malfunctioning valves that either do not open fully or close completely. This leads to disrupted blood flow, causing symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Over time, untreated heart valve disease can result in severe complications such as heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death, contrasting with the well-functioning cardiovascular system of a healthy individual.
There are a few types of heart valve disease, and some people may have a combination of more than one type:
Heart valve disease or valvular heart disease may develop before or at the time of birth or anytime after birth. Some of the possible causes of heart valve disease may include:
In some individuals, heart valve disease may show no symptoms, while others may experience one or more symptoms, which may be mild, moderate, or severe. The common symptoms of heart valvular disease may include:
Except for the above-mentioned symptoms, one of the first signs of heart valve disease is often a heart murmur that the doctor may encounter while listening to your heartbeat with a stethoscope. Later on, they perform diagnostic tests to examine the condition.
Based on the severity, your healthcare professional may describe the heart valve disease into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. For each level, different treatment methods are followed. Let's understand the levels in detail:
Based on the severity, the heart valve disease can cause certain complications, including:
The diagnosis tests for heart valve disease may vary depending on the multiple symptoms an individual is experiencing and the physical exams conducted. The tests for heart valve disease may include:
Diagnostic Test | Examination |
---|---|
Echocardiogram | Shows the functioning of the heart valve and chambers |
Electrocardiogram | Reflect the electrical activity of the heart and check for abnormal heart rhythms |
Chest X-ray | Images show whether the heart is enlarged |
Cardiac Catheterization (Angiogram) | Uses a thin tube or catheter with a camera that takes pictures of your heart, chambers, and blood vessels |
Chest CT Scan | Shows the size and shape of your aorta |
Stress Test | Determine how the symptoms are affected by exertion |
Cardiac MRI | A more detailed picture of the heart |
Screening Test | Prenatal screening: to check the developing baby's heart during pregnancy |
Newborn screening: to diagnose different symptoms | |
After cancer treatment: assess the chances of developing heart valve disease |
Suggestion: If you have been diagnosed with heart valve disease, consult with a cardiology specialist as soon as possible.
At the minor stage, you may require less to no treatments, but regular tests are required to keep an eye on if it worsens. In case of severity increases, more aggressive treatments are needed.
At the minor stage, you may require less to no treatments, but regular tests are required to keep an eye on if it worsens. In case of severity observed, you may need intensive treatment or surgery sometimes. The treatment depends on the cause of the heart valve disease and its impact on your heart. The following treatments may help to cure heart valve disease based on the severity observed:
Medicines cannot cure heart valve disease but may help relieve swelling, abnormal heartbeat, high blood pressure, etc. It may be suggested that you take medicines when your heart valve disease is mild or moderate or does not require surgery. The medications reduce the workload or stress on your heart. Some medicines that may be prescribed are:
Medicine | Effect |
---|---|
Diuretics | Reduces fluid retention |
Blood thinners | Prevents blood clots |
Beta-blockers | Helps control heart rate and blood flow |
Antiarrhythmics | Treats irregular heartbeat |
Vasodilators | Opens or dilates blood vessels |
Different heart valve surgeries may be performed based on the causes of the valve issues and the effects of the damage on your heart or lifestyle:
Valve Surgery |
|
Valve Replacement | Removal or replacement of the defective valve with a mechanical or biological valve |
You can take preventive measures and support overall heart well-being by making healthy lifestyle changes, which include:
Heart valve disease is a severe condition that requires quick diagnosis and appropriate management. Treatment options range from medications to advanced surgical procedures, emphasising the importance of personalised care. By staying informed, seeking timely medical advice, and utilising available resources, individuals can better navigate the challenges posed by heart valve disease.
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