Valvular Heart Disease Explained

• Physical Exam and Medical History: The doctor will assess symptoms and listen for any heart murmurs, which are often the first clue of a valve problem.
• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound-based test is the primary tool for visualizing heart valves, showing how well they open and close, and assessing blood flow through the heart.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart to identify any abnormal rhythms or signs of strain on the heart muscle.
• Chest X-ray: Helps evaluate the heart’s size and can reveal any fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart dysfunction.
• Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: These imaging tests provide high-detail views of the heart’s structure and valve function.
• Cardiac Catheterization: In some cases, doctors may perform this test to measure pressures in the heart chambers and assess blood flow, particularly before considering surgery.

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure can support heart health and reduce strain on the valves.
2. Medications: Drugs like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics may be prescribed to help manage symptoms, lower blood pressure, or control heart rhythm.
3. Valve Repair or Replacement: For severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary:
   • Valve Repair: Surgeons can reshape or reinforce the existing valve, which is commonly performed for mitral or tricuspid valves.
   • Valve Replacement: When repair is not possible, the valve can be replaced with a mechanical or biological prosthetic valve.
4. Transcatheter Valve Procedures: For patients who are not candidates for open-heart surgery, transcatheter techniques such as TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) may be used to replace a damaged valve through a less invasive catheter-based approach.

If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, or palpitations, it’s important to seek medical attention, as these may be signs of valvular heart disease. Early evaluation is crucial, especially if you have risk factors like a history of rheumatic fever, age-related heart issues, or congenital heart defects. Regular check-ups can help monitor valve health and catch issues before they become severe.

For further questions about heart valve health, consult a healthcare provider.