Information From Your Health Care Provider

VALVULAR HEART DISEASE

(Heart Valve Disease)

Basic information

description

Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart valves do not function properly. The heart has four valves—mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonic. Normally the valves open and close to keep blood flowing in one direction through the heart. Narrowed valves (stenosis) can obstruct blood flow. Widened or scarred valves allow blood to leak backward (insufficiency or regurgitation). All age groups can be affected.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

No symptoms (sometimes).
Fatigue and weakness.
Dizziness or fainting.
Chest pain.
Shortness of breath (may wake you out of a sleep).
Lung congestion.
Heart rhythm problems.

causes

Heart valve disease can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired during one's lifetime (due to a variety of conditions).

risk increases with

Aging.
Family history of heart valve disease.
Rheumatic fever (a complication of strep throat).
High blood pressure.
Congenital (being born with) heart defects.
Endocarditis (heart inflammation).
Heart disease risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, overweight, lack of exercise, and family history of early heart disease.
Heart attack or heart failure.
Other less common risk factors.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

None specific. Obtain medical care for any disorders that can lead to heart valve problems.

expected outcomes

The condition is usually lifelong. Some people will need no treatment. In others, conservative treatments can help control the valve problem for many years. For some patients, surgery or other medical procedure can often treat the valve problem successfully.
See your health care provider on a regular basis even if you feel completely well.

possible complications

Heart valve infection.
If untreated, advanced valve disease can cause congestive heart failure, blood clots, stroke, or sudden cardiac death.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam. Medical tests may include blood studies, electrocardiogram (measures the heart's electrical activity), echocardiogram (uses sound waves to examine the heart), x-rays (of the heart, lungs, and blood flow), and others.
Treatment will depend on the type of heart valve disease and and its severity. Treatment may involve drug therapy, lifestyle changes, and surgery or other medical procedures. Your health care provider will discuss a treatment plan based on your individual situation.
Drugs will not cure heart valve disease, but can help relieve symptoms and prevent or delay complications.
Lifestyle changes may involve physical activity, diet changes, smoking cessation, and limits on alcohol use.
Surgery to repair or replace a valve may be needed for some patients. Others may have a procedure (called balloon valvuloplasty) to increase blood flow in a valve.
Carry or wear medical identification that indicates you have heart valve disease. Also, advise any health care provider who treats you in the future.
To learn more: American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231; (800) 242-8721; website: www.americanheart.org.

medications

Drugs may be prescribed to lower blood pressure, treat heart failure, lower cholesterol, prevent irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), or thin the blood (anticoagulants).

activity

A regular exercise plan is usually recommended. You will be advised about any specific limits on physical activity depending on the severity of the disease.

diet

You may be advised to eat a low-fat or low-salt diet, or begin a weight-loss diet.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of valvular heart disease.
Symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.