Overview

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a condition that affects the heart valves, disrupting the normal flow of blood through the heart. The heart has four valves—the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves—and abnormalities in any of these can lead to conditions such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). Stenosis causes increased pressure and reduced blood flow, while regurgitation allows blood to flow backward, increasing pressure and causing heart enlargement over time.

Causes

  • Infections: Rheumatic fever and endocarditis are two infections that can damage the heart valves, leading to scarring and valve dysfunction.
  • Congenital Defects: Some individuals are born with abnormal heart valves, which may become problematic later in life.
  • Degenerative Changes: Age-related wear and tear, including thickening, stiffening, and calcification of the valves, is the most common cause of valve narrowing.
  • High Blood Pressure: Chronic high blood pressure can stress and damage the valves over time, contributing to VHD.
  • Other Factors: Heart attacks, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications may also contribute to the development of VHD.

Symptoms

The symptoms of VHD can vary based on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue: The heart works harder to pump blood, leading to fatigue and weakness.
  • Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion, due to inadequate blood flow.
  • Chest Pain/Discomfort: A sensation of tightness or pain in the chest.
  • Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats that may feel like fluttering or racing.
  • Swelling: Fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, or abdomen.
  • Fainting: In severe cases, fainting due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.

Early-stage VHD may be asymptomatic and is often detected during a physical exam or with Echocardiography.

Treatments

Treatment for VHD depends on the severity of the disease and the patient’s specific condition.

  • Lifestyle Changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can improve symptoms.
  • Medications: Medications of different classes are the mainstay of therapy. They are used to manage symptoms of VHD and to delay the progression of the disease.
  • Medical Procedures: Medical procedures can manage VHD. These may include cardioversion, which is used to restore a normal heart rhythm or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), which are used to prevent sudden cardiac deaths.
  • Heart Surgery: In many cases, heart surgery is the most effective treatment for advanced VHD. Surgery may involve repairing the damaged valve or replacing it with a prosthetic one. This can be done using the traditional standard approach or through the less invasive transcatheter approach.

Valvular heart disease requires careful management, with treatment plans tailored to each individual. Dr. Fady Turquieh, with over 25 years of experience in cardiology, provides expert care in diagnosing and treating VHD, helping patients maintain optimal heart health.