Our heart is one of the most important organs of the body. It pumps oxygen throughout the body. There are four valves present in the heart to separate the deoxygenated blood from the oxygenated one. They also control the direction of the blood flow. Heart valve disease is an anomaly in the functioning of the heart valve. Visit Maxcure hospital in Madhapur for early diagnosis. Risk factors for developing heart valve disease include:
- Age – The older the age, the greater the chances of developing a heart valve disease.
- Family History – Heart Valve disease can also be congenital. Hence, if any of your parents or relatives have this disease, the chances of you getting it is higher.
- Hypertension – High blood pressure can put pressure and weaken the valves as the blood flows in or out of the heart.
- Other Heart conditions- Having other cardiological conditions like Coronary Heart Disease, Heart Attack, etc can increase the risk of developing a heart valve disease.
- Smoking – Smoking is responsible for a number of heart problems. It damages the lining of the artery and leads to the deposit of fatty material in them. This, in turn, will increase the pressure on our valves and weaken them
- Deposition of calcium – Deposition of calcium near the heart valve can narrow the passageway for the blood to flow in the heart. This, in turn, will lead to greater pressure on the valves and eventually weaken them.
What causes Heart Valve Disease?
Heart Valve Disease can be congenital. They may be malformed and may be too big or too small. Other causes include infections during dental or heart surgery, coronary artery disease, hypertension and endocarditis (extra growths in the heart valve).
Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease :
Studies show that people with heart valve disease might not experience any symptoms until very late. The symptoms are also similar to the symptoms of any other heart disease and hence this disease may go undiagnosed. If you experience any of the below symptoms, visit the Maxcure Hospital in Madhapur for early diagnosis and treatment:
- Weakness and dizziness – the mixing of oxygenated blood with deoxygenated blood will contaminate the blood composition. Thus, the person won’t receive the necessary amount of oxygen to convert into energy and will feel dizzy.
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats – You may feel rapid heartbeats or irregular heartbeats if there’s a problem with your heart valve.
- Discomfort in the chest – You may feel a pressure in the chest if the heart valves have narrowed.
- Swelling of ankles, feet or abdomen – Oedema which is swelling of the hands and feet may occur.
Treating Heart Valve Disease:
- Medications – Drugs are used to lessen the symptoms and stop further damage. The cardiologist may prescribe drugs depending on the extent of your condition. Some common drugs include beta blockers and vasodilators to decrease the blood pressure and ensure its forward flow respectively.
- Heart Valve Replacement Surgery – in this type of surgery, the damaged valve is replaced with a mechanical valve or other body tissue. It is open heart surgery. Biological tissue valves or mechanical valves will need replacement over time.
- Minimally invasive heart valve surgery – This surgery is performed by making incisions on your chest. It is closed heart surgery. Percutaneous balloon valvotomy is one such way. Another is mitral valve replacement surgery were mitral valve is replaced or clipped to ensure forward blood flow.
Start each day with a healthy heart as it is the key to a happy healthy life!
To know more about the treatments, book an appointment with a doctor at the Maxcure hospital in Madhapur.
