Understanding Valvular Heart Disease: Types, Symptoms, & Treatment

The heart, which is a crucial component of the human body, acts as a pump that sends oxygen-rich blood to different organs and tissues so that the body can function properly.
It is made of four chambers, two atria, and two ventricles that function together to keep the blood flow smooth.

In the heart, there are the four essential valves—the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves—that function by opening and closing with each heartbeat to prevent any blood backflow, thus controlling blood circulation. Any failure or malfunction of these valves leads to a condition called valvular heart disease, which consequently disrupts normal blood flow, resulting in a severe illness like heart failure untreated.

This article covers the types, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of valvular heart disease. 

Types Of Valvular Heart Disease

Three different types of valvular heart disease can be identified in humans. These are:

• Aortic Valve Disease: Aortic valve disease is a condition that causes an abnormality in the valve, which regulates the movement of blood from the heart to the aorta. It includes diseases like aortic stenosis (constricting of the valve) and aortic regurgitation (leakage of the valve).

• Mitral Valve Disease: Mitral valve disease arises in between the left atrium and left ventricles. Common conditions include mitral valve stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation, which disrupt normal blood flow and pressure.

• Tricuspid and Pulmonary Valve Disease: While not much common, tricuspid and pulmonary valve diseases can develop as a result of congenital heart defects, infections, or other health issues. Specifically, these valves can regulate blood flow on the right side of the heart.

Causes Of Valvular Heart Disease

There are many causes of valvular heart disease. Some of them are: 

Congenital Heart Defects

Some people are born with structural problems in one or more heart valves, referred to as congenital heart defects. This may cause valve abnormalities that interfere with blood flow from the time of birth.

Acquired Causes

Valvular heart disease can also occur later in life as a result of particular medical conditions:

• Rheumatic fever: An inflammatory disease that can develop after a person has an untreated group A streptococcal infection, like strep throat or scarlet fever. It can also lead to inflammation and scarring of heart valves.

• Infective endocarditis: A bacterial infection caused in the inner lining of the heart, including the valves. This disease may affect the valves, causing functional disorders.

Degenerative Changes with Age

As people grow older, degeneration of aortic stenosis can occur due to stress and wear and tear on the heart valves. Common conditions related to age include:

• Calcification: Caused by the building up of calcium on the valves, which can make them stiff and prevent them from opening and closing appropriately.

• Fibrosis: Tissue within the valve thickens or becomes stiffer with time, hampering valve function even more.

Symptoms and Signs 

Patients with valvular heart disease may be symptomatic with:

• Breathing trouble when working or even just resting

• Fatigue and weakness

• Swelling in legs, ankles, or abdomen

• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat

During a medical test, doctors may hear abnormal heart sounds like murmurs when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. These sounds can be indicative of valve dysfunction. If not treated, valvular heart disease may progress and lead to complications, including heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, experiencing the listed signs should encourage individuals to take quick steps and reach out to a medical professional.

Diagnosis Of Valvular Heart Diseases

While there are various signs and symptoms of valvular heart disease, medical practitioners deem heart murmurs as one of the most prominent signs. Heart murmurs refer to a hissing noise that can be discovered while listening to the heart using a stethoscope. If a person is showing signs of heart murmurs, doctors will further evaluate their cardiac health with blood and imaging tests.

Many tests can be performed to diagnose a heart valve disorder. Some of them include:

• Echocardiogram: This is a test that uses sound waves to make pictures of the beating heart. This test shows how blood is moving through the heart and whether the valves are healthy.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This brief procedure records the electrical signals in the heart to tell how the heart is working. Sensors called electrodes are set on the chest and sometimes on the legs. Wires are used to connect the sensors to a computer, which then displays or prints out the results.

• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray shows the image of the heart and lungs. The test reflects if the heart is bigger than it should be or if there is fluid around the lungs. Fluid can be a cause of certain types of heart valve disease.

Treatment Options

Through the years, medical professionals have managed to evolve treatment options for valvular heart disease. Some of the most commonly used treatment options feature:

Medications

• Diuretics: helps reduce fluid buildup

• Beta-blockers: lower heart rate and blood pressure

• Anticoagulants: prevent blood clots.

Life Style Changes

• Maintain a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption

• Engage in regular, moderate exercise (consult a doctor before starting)

• Reduce salt intake

Surgical Interventions

• Valve Repair: preserves the natural valve by correcting structural abnormalities

• Valve Replacement: Involves replacing the damaged valve with a mechanical or biological prosthesis

Minimal Invasive Procedures

The growth of technology in medical sciences has given the possibility for minimally invasive methods like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which reduces recovery time and risks associated with open-heart surgery.

Prevention of Valvular Heart Disease

Heart valve diseases have some specific prevention strategies, along with the regular heart disease prevention strategies, which include:

• Looking out for symptoms of rheumatic fever, like white spots on your tonsils, a sore throat, and fevers.

• If an individual is diagnosed with heart valve disease, the avoidance of a heart valve infection will require good oral health practices. Consulting with a dentist should be the first step.

• Routine health checkups and early detection of valve abnormalities can significantly reduce the risk of complications and ensure timely intervention. 

Emerging Research and Innovations

Recent research and advancements in the treatment of valvular heart disease have remarkably improved patient care and outcomes.

Surgical innovations, especially robot-assisted surgeries, have enhanced the accuracy, safety, and recovery rates of valve repair and substitution procedures. Additionally, ongoing developments in medications and non-invasive therapies aim to provide more effective management options for patients. These include the creation of targeted drugs to reduce inflammation, prevent calcification, and enhance heart function, offering new hope for those living with valvular heart disease.

Conclusion

Valvular heart disease, which weakens the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, can potentially become dangerous if it is not cured. Therefore, getting an initial diagnosis and an appropriate cure is very much needed for this condition. Timely recognition of symptoms and proper checkups can exert a significant effect on the outcome and quality of life. Living a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a nutrition-rich diet, and following routine exercise are some of the additional practices that can act towards both the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease.