Valve Disease

Symptoms to Watch For

What It Is

Valve disease is a condition where blood flow regulation from your heart is hampered due to various issues, such as blood leakage or narrowing. The heart contains four valves: aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid, and mitral. When these valves malfunction, they can significantly impact heart function and overall health.

Diagnosis

At Healthy Living Heart and Vein, the diagnostic process includes a physical heart examination to detect murmurs or irregularities, lung assessment for signs of fluid buildup, and electrocardiograms (EKGs) to identify heart enlargement and irregular rhythms.

Conservative Approach

For mild cases, medications are recommended to lower blood pressure, optimize heart pumping action, and reduce valve stress.

Surgical Intervention

In severe situations, surgical procedures may be necessary, including mitral valve repair, aortic valve replacement, open valve surgery to repair or replace damaged parts, valve replacement surgeries (mechanical or biological), and procedures potentially combined with coronary artery bypass or aortic root surgery.

Why Treatment Matters

Valve diseases can potentially prove to be life-threatening if left untreated. Prompt and effective treatment improves quality of life for patients with this condition.