Heart Valve Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment – Aadicura Superspeciality Hospital

We spoke to our team of some of the Best Heart Specialists in Vadodara at Aadicura Superspeciality Hospital and compiled a comprehensive guide making it easier for you to understand the main causes of heart valve disease, its symptoms, and the treatment options available.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of heart valve disease can vary depending on which valve is affected and how severe the problem is. Heart valve disease can have various symptoms, including:

● Shortness of breath

● Chest pain or discomfort

● Fatigue or weakness

● Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

● Rapid or irregular heartbeat

● Dizziness or fainting

It is also seen that in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your heart health, it is always advisable to consult a specialist. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, you may want to consider getting a routine check-up done at a heart hospital in Vadodara, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or other associated risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or obesity.

How is Heart Valve Disease Diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of heart valve disease, the doctor will perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and order tests such as an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), or stress test to evaluate your heart function and determine if you have heart valve disease.

Heart valve disease can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests.

● Medical history: The doctor will review your medical history, including any family history of heart disease, past medical conditions, and current symptoms.

● Physical exam: During a physical exam, the doctor may listen to your heart with a stethoscope to check for abnormal heart sounds or murmurs. They may also check for signs of fluid buildup in your lungs or swelling in your legs or ankles.

● Diagnostic tests: Depending on the results of your medical history and physical exam, the doctor may order one or more diagnostic tests to evaluate your heart function and determine if you have heart valve disease. Some common tests include:

● Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create images of your heart and its valves. It can help the doctor see if your valves are working properly and detect any abnormalities.

● Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of your heart and can help detect irregular heartbeats or other abnormalities.

● Stress test: This test evaluates how your heart responds to physical exertion, such as walking on a treadmill. It can help the doctor detect any abnormalities in your heart function.

● Cardiac catheterization: This test involves inserting a thin tube into a blood vessel in your arm or leg and guiding it to your heart. It can help the doctor see if there is any blockage in your arteries or if your heart valves are functioning properly.

If the diagnostic tests confirm that you have heart valve disease, the doctor will determine the severity of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Our Cardiologists in Vadodara at Aadicura Superspeciality Hospital believe that early detection and treatment of heart valve disease can help prevent complications and improve overall health outcomes.

Causes of Heart Valve Disease

There are several causes of heart valve disease, but the most common ones include:

● Aging: As we age, the valves in our heart can become thickened and stiff, making it harder for them to open and close properly.

● Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with heart valves that don’t develop properly, which can lead to valve problems later in life.

● Infections: Bacterial infections like endocarditis can cause damage to the heart valves, leading to valve disease.

● Rheumatic fever: This is a rare complication of strep throat that can cause damage to the heart valves.

● Other conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart attacks can all lead to valve disease.

Treatment for Heart Valve Disease

The treatment of heart valve disease depends on the severity of the condition and the valve affected. In some cases, medication can be used to manage symptoms, such as diuretics to reduce swelling or blood thinners to prevent blood clots. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace the damaged valve:

Depending upon the severity of the disease, treatment may include:

● Medications: Medications like diuretics, blood thinners, and beta-blockers can help manage the symptoms of heart valve disease.

● Valve repair: Medications don’t work if the valve is damaged beyond a certain extent. The damaged valve would have to be repaired using sutures, a patch, minimally invasive procedures like balloon valvuloplasty or a surgical procedure.

● Valve replacement: In cases where the valve is too damaged that both medication and surgical repairs prove inefficient. It may need to be replaced with an artificial valve/prosthetic valve.

Can Heart Valve Problems be Treated Without Surgery?

There are certain cases where heart valve problems can be managed without surgery. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can all help manage the symptoms of heart valve disease along with medications that are used to manage symptoms and prevent complications. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

3 Things You Can Do to Avoid Heart Valve Disease

While some causes of heart valve disease are beyond our control, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition:

● Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, including heart valve disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk.

● Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease, including heart valve disease. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight.

● Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify any heart valve problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and better outcomes.

If you see any of these symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, or want to get some preventive diagnostic tests done to check your heart health, we at Aadicura Superspeciality Hospital are your one stop destination for all heart related problems and are considered as one of the best cardiac hospital in Vadodara.