How are Valve Diseases Diagnosed and Treated?

Causes of Heart Valve Problems

Congenital Defects (abnormalities present at birth)

• Aortic stenosis;
• Ebstein's anomaly;
• Pulmonary stenosis;
• Bicuspid aortic valve;

Aging and Age-Related Valve Diseases

• Degenerative valvular disease. Over time, valves can slowly degenerate. This most often affects the mitral valve. For example, mitral valve prolapse, a condition affecting 2-3% of the population, can eventually lead to mitral regurgitation and require treatment;
• Age-related calcification. Sometimes calcium can build up on the heart valves, most often affecting the aortic valve, and can lead to aortic stenosis;
• Mediastinal radiation therapy (chest irradiation). Studies have shown that childhood cancer survivors who underwent radiation therapy have an increased risk of developing valvular heart disease later in life;
• Diseases and related conditions that can lead to valve problems:
• Infective endocarditis;
• Injury;
• Rheumatic fever;

These conditions can cause blood to leak backward into the heart chambers or incomplete opening of one or more heart valves. The heart then has to work harder and its ability to pump blood is reduced. While valve problems can be serious and life-threatening, most can be treated.

A heart problem is something you absolutely should not ignore. While it is true that some people can lead long and healthy lives with minor heart valve problems, as soon as the problem progresses to the point of affecting your ability to function, it should be addressed.

Cardiac valve replacement may sound frightening, but treatments have advanced such that many patients can undergo minimally invasive procedures to repair or replace their troublesome valves.

Symptoms of Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular heart disease can sometimes go unnoticed, especially in adults who are beginning to experience the signs of aging. The symptoms to watch for are:

• General fatigue;
• Difficulty expending energy;
• Shortness of breath;
• Heart murmur (detected by your healthcare professional);

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is certainly worth talking to your cardiologist.  

Valvular Heart Disease and Health Risks

Many people live long and healthy lives and never realize they have a minor valve problem. However, if left untreated, advanced valvular heart disease can lead to heart failure, stroke, blood clots, or death from sudden cardiac arrest.

Individuals diagnosed with a heart murmur, a defect such as a bicuspid aortic valve, mitral valve prolapse, or a mild form of valvular heart disease should undergo regular checkups with a healthcare provider and be aware of possible symptoms if they appear or worsen.

If surgery is required to repair or replace a valve, antibiotics may be necessary before dental procedures to help protect against infective endocarditis. You should discuss your risk and recommendations with your healthcare provider.

Aging individuals should also be aware of changes that may occur gradually. Not all decreases in energy or stamina are related to "normal aging problems." When the heart fails to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body, symptoms may appear. Problems such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, and dizziness may indicate treatable heart-related problems.

Have you noticed that routine activities like walking faster or climbing stairs have become more difficult?

Have you stopped doing enjoyable activities that you used to do with relative ease?

Make sure you take notes on any such changes and describe them to your healthcare provider.

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Consult a Cardiologist for Valvular Heart Disease

Your cardiologist can help determine if intervention is necessary. Generally, they will review your symptoms and perform an echocardiogram, which gives images of your heart, as well as blood tests and stress tests that may be needed.

Remember to tell your cardiologist about the following:

• symptoms you may be experiencing;
• family history;
• current medications and supplements;
• eating habits and exercise;
• home-obtained data such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels;

Your doctor may suggest monitoring your condition and setting a schedule for regular follow-up visits and testing. However, some patients may benefit from intervention to help prevent future complications.

Treatment of Valvular Heart Disease

Surgical treatments for valvular heart disease generally involve repairing or replacing a valve. These procedures have become less invasive with the development of new technologies and techniques. For some patients, heart valves can even be replaced by a catheter placed in the leg, and they can often go home after a short stay.

Be sure to ask your doctor if a heart valve repair is possible. Your specific case will determine if doctors can attempt to repair a valve or if they will need to replace it entirely. Your treatment plan should include:

• How you and your healthcare team will protect your heart from future damage;
• Assessment of your medications and adjustment if necessary;
• Plans to address the valve problem (repair or replacement);
• Follow-up steps and lifestyle changes;

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