Horizon Prime Hospital - Thane

Untreated Heart Valve Disease Can Lead To Stroke, Heart Failure & Sudden Cardiac Death

Heart valve disease is a critical issue affecting millions in India, leading to severe complications and high mortality rates. Heart valve disease can be caused due to multiple factors like ageing, congenital defects and infections.  Hence, it is crucial to understand the causes and symptoms of heart valve diseases for early detection and prompt medical intervention. The valvular heart disease comprises a significant reason for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, where rheumatic heart disease  being the prevailing type of valvular heart disease. 

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Valvular heart disease is a dysfunction of heart valve. With early detection and prompt timely intervention, one can beat the valvular disease. The benefit of early detection of heart valve disease is that a patient gets the treatment at appropriate time. A surgical treatment at a late stager can be very risky because by that time, the heart muscles and tissues are damaged or deformed. According to Global Burden of Disease Study, nearly 25 percent of all deaths in India is due to Cardiovascular disease.”

Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Heart valve disease is distinct from normal health conditions due to its impact on the heart’s ability to regulate blood flow efficiently. Unlike a healthy heart, which pumps blood seamlessly, heart valve disease involves malfunctioning valves that either do not open fully or close completely. This leads to disrupted blood flow, causing symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Over time, untreated heart valve disease can result in severe complications such as heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death, contrasting with the well-functioning cardiovascular system of a healthy individual”.

The heart valve consists of four valves that is the aortic valve, mitral valve, pulmonary valve and tricuspid valve where these four heart valves make sure that the oxygen-rich blood flows in the one direction and also prevent the blood from flowing backward.

Dr Arvind Gehlot, Leading Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Consultant Horizon Prime Hospital said “Heart valve disease occurs when the structure of heart valve becomes severely damaged leading to various health problems. This can impact the valves making them too loose or too narrow, significantly restricting the heart from pumping the blood effectively. Stenosis and regurgitation are two main types of heart valve diseases.”

Talking on the signs and Symptoms Dr Arvind Gehlot further said “The major signs and symptoms of heart valve disease are difficulty in breathing, palpitation or dizziness, and some people may get nocturnal dysthymia which means that while they are asleep, they will suddenly wake up and start breathing like they have a severe need for oxygen.”

Dr Gehlot further added “The heart valve disease treatment relies on which heart valve is impacted and how serious the illness is. The important fact to note is, advances in both interventional techniques and timely diagnosis accounts for the rate of survival. However, if the patient is delaying even after having few or various symptoms, then the valve disease does not remain just a valve disease, but it can further affect the whole heart and can lead to damage other parts of the heart as well.” 

Types of Heart Valve Diseases

Some people are born with heart valve disease. This is called congenital heart valve disease. But adults can get heart valve disease too. Causes of heart valve disease in adults may include infections, age-related changes and other heart conditions.

1. 1. Stenosis: The valve flaps become thick or stiff and sometimes can join together. The valve opening becomes narrowed. Less blood can flow through the narrowed valve.
   2. Regurgitation: The valve flaps may not close tightly, causing blood to leak backward.
   3. Prolapse: The valve flaps become stretched out and floppy. They bulge backward like a parachute. This condition can lead to regurgitation.

• Atresia: The valve isn’t formed. A solid sheet of tissue blocks the blood flow between the heart chambers. This type usually affects the pulmonary valve.

Risk factors

Several things can increase the risk of heart valve disease, including:

• Older age.
• Some infections, such as rheumatic fever or blood infections.
• A heart attack or some types of heart disease.
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Lack of Physical Activity

Symptoms

Some people with heart valve disease might not have symptoms for many years. When symptoms occur, they might include

• Shortness of breath at rest or when active or lying down.
• Fatigue.
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness.
• Swelling of the ankles and feet.
• Fainting.
• Irregular heartbeat.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis tests for heart valve disease may vary depending on the multiple symptoms an individual is experiencing and the physical exams conducted. The tests for heart valve disease may include: 

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Chest X-Ray
• Chest CT Scan
• Cardiac MRI
• Angiogram

Three Levels of Heart Valve Disease 

Based on the severity, your healthcare professional may describe the heart valve disease into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. For each level, different treatment methods are followed. Let’s understand the levels in detail: 

• Mild Heart Valve Disease

• No such symptoms are observed, and you may require no treatment
• Suggestive health check-ups, including echocardiogram every 3-5 years
• Medicines can help make the heart work better and improve symptoms. 

• Moderate or Severe Heart Valve Disease

• If diagnosed with moderate heart valve disease with no symptoms, you need a check-up and echocardiogram every 6-12 months. 
• Treatment will be needed to prevent the worsening symptoms from getting worse. 

• Severe Heart Valve Disease
• It may get worse if the moderate stage is not treated at the right time.

Treatment

Most heart valve problems can be treated successfully. Treatment may include:

• Medicines: To control your symptoms and keep your heart pumping well
• Heart-healthy lifestyle changes: To treat other related heart conditions
• Valve Replacement : In some cases, valve replacement is necessary. There are 2 types of replacement valves:

• Biologic valves made from pig, cow, or human tissue. 
• Mechanical (human-made) valves 

• Transcatheter Procedures : Some patients, particularly those at high surgical risk, may be candidates for minimally invasive transcatheter procedures. These involve repairing or replacing the valve through a catheter inserted into a blood vessel
• Regular Monitoring: Regardless of the chosen treatment, patients with valvular heart disease require ongoing monitoring by a cardiologist. Regular check-ups and diagnostic tests help assess the valve’s function and the effectiveness of treatment.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation: After surgical or interventional procedures, patients may benefit from cardiac rehabilitation programs. These programs focus on improving physical fitness, heart health and recovery.

Conclusion

Valvular Heart Disease is treated at Horizon Prime Hospital with a commitment to excellence and personalized care. Our skilled team of cardiologists uses cutting-edge diagnostic technology to accurately determine the severity and type of the valve disease. From medication management to better surgical procedures, we prioritize our patient’s health. It is crucial for individuals with valvular heart disease to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalised treatment plan that aligns with their specific condition and needs. Effective management and treatment can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals living with valvular heart disease. After surgery it is also important that care for the valve should be meticulously done. Horizon Prime Hospital doctors team and nurses will help you on your road to recovery. Our comprehensive approach ensures that people with Valvular Heart Disease receive high-quality care, with a focus on efficacy and patient comfort.