Summary about Disease
Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart's four valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary) don't work properly. These valves regulate blood flow through the heart and into the body. Problems can include stenosis (narrowing) where a valve doesn't open fully, or regurgitation (leakage) where a valve doesn't close tightly. These problems can strain the heart, leading to heart failure or other complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and type of valve disease. Common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying down
Fatigue
Chest pain or discomfort
Dizziness or fainting
Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen
Heart murmur (an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat)
Palpitations (feeling of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats)
Causes
Valvular heart disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with valve abnormalities.
Rheumatic fever: This is a complication of strep throat that can damage heart valves.
Infection: Infections like endocarditis can damage heart valves.
Age-related changes: Valves can thicken and stiffen with age.
Coronary artery disease: Can indirectly affect valve function.
Other conditions: These include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain medications.
Medicine Used
Medications are used to manage symptoms and prevent complications of valvular heart disease. Common medications include:
Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup.
Beta-blockers: To slow heart rate and lower blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors or ARBs: To lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
Anticoagulants: To prevent blood clots, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation or mechanical heart valves.
Antibiotics: To prevent endocarditis in high-risk individuals before dental or surgical procedures.
Is Communicable
Valvular heart disease itself is generally NOT communicable. However, some of the underlying causes, such as rheumatic fever (triggered by a strep infection) and infectious endocarditis, are caused by infectious agents. But, the valve disease that results is not directly spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions for individuals with valvular heart disease include:
Regular medical checkups: To monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Good dental hygiene: To prevent endocarditis.
Prophylactic antibiotics: May be needed before certain dental or surgical procedures.
Healthy lifestyle: Including a balanced diet, regular exercise (as advised by a doctor), and avoiding smoking.
Managing other health conditions: Such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Avoiding strenuous activity: That causes significant symptoms, unless cleared by a doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Valvular heart disease is not an outbreak-related disease. It's a chronic condition. If caused by Rheumatic fever, the acute illness causing Rheumatic fever, (strep throat) lasts days to weeks if untreated, but the valve damage from Rheumatic fever is permanent. Endocarditis, another infectious cause, requires weeks of antibiotic treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of valvular heart disease typically involves:
Physical examination: Including listening to the heart with a stethoscope.
Echocardiogram: Ultrasound of the heart to visualize the valves and assess their function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): To assess the heart's electrical activity.
Chest X-ray: To evaluate the size and shape of the heart and lungs.
Cardiac catheterization: To measure pressures in the heart and blood vessels (more invasive).
MRI: Can provide more detailed imaging in certain circumstances.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies widely:
Congenital: Present at birth or shortly after.
Rheumatic Fever: Symptoms may appear years or decades after the initial strep infection.
Age-Related: Develops gradually over many years.
Infective Endocarditis: Symptoms appear relatively rapidly, over days to weeks. The progression can be slow and asymptomatic for years, then symptoms can worsen rapidly once the heart can no longer compensate.
Important Considerations
Severity: The severity of the valve disease dictates the necessary treatment and management.
Individualized Care: Treatment should be tailored to the individual's specific condition and symptoms.
Surgical Intervention: Valve repair or replacement may be necessary in severe cases.
Pregnancy: Women with valvular heart disease require careful monitoring during pregnancy.
Lifestyle Modifications: Are critical in managing the condition.
Regular Follow Up: With a cardiologist is essential for long-term management.