What causes defects in the heart valve, and why is it important to screen for valvular heart disease?

Valvular heart disease is a silent killer that slowly eats away at your heart. The symptoms don’t always appear until the damage is severe, but by then, it is too late. Heart failure, stroke, and even sudden death can result if you don’t get help. But don’t panic yet—there’s a way to prevent it. Let’s dive into what valvular heart disease really is, its causes, symptoms, and how you can save your heart before it’s too late.

What is Valvular Heart Disease?

The heart contains four valves: aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid. These valves regulate the blood flow within the heart, ensuring that it moves in the right direction and at the right time. When any of these valves become damaged or diseased, the heart’s efficiency is compromised, leading to blood flow issues. This is what we call valvular heart disease.

Valvular heart disease can take many forms:

● Stenosis: The valve becomes narrowed, making it harder for blood to flow through.

● Regurgitation: The valve leaks, causing blood to flow backwards instead of moving forward.

● Prolapse: The valve flaps become weak and bulge backwards, disrupting the flow.

Common types of valvular heart disease include tricuspid regurgitation, mitral valve regurgitation, and aortic valve stenosis. 

How Valvular Heart Disease Affects Your Body

The problem with valvular heart disease is that, in the early stages, there may be no symptoms. You might feel fine while your heart is working harder to pump blood. But, as the disease worsens, it can lead to:

● Shortness of breath: When the heart is not pumping well, fluid may build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe, even during mild activity.

● Fatigue: As the heart becomes less effective, your body may not get the oxygen it needs, leaving you feeling weak or tired, even after rest.

● Swelling: Fluid can also accumulate in the legs, abdomen, or other parts of the body due to the heart’s inability to pump blood properly.

● Chest pain or discomfort due to the heart not getting enough oxygen.

● Palpitations: irregular heartbeats or a feeling of your heart pounding in your chest.

● Dizziness or fainting: The lack of efficient blood flow can cause lightheadedness or even fainting spells.

Causes of Valvular Heart Disease

While age can increase the likelihood of developing valvular heart disease, there are several other factors that may contribute:

● Rheumatic fever: The heart valves, mainly the mitral valve, can suffer damage as a result of untreated strep throat. 

● Infections: Bacterial infections like endocarditis can lead to valve damage and regurgitation.

● Congenital defects: Some people have abnormal valves that don’t function correctly since birth.

● High blood pressure and heart disease: Both conditions place stress on the valves and may lead to valvular stenosis.

● Ageing: As you get older, your heart valves may naturally thicken, become stiffer, and lose function.

Shattering the Myths About Valvular Heart Disease

Myth 1: “Only Older People Get Valvular Heart Disease.” 

Reality: Age is a factor, but valvular heart disease can develop in younger individuals, particularly if they’ve had rheumatic fever or congenital heart defects. It’s also increasingly being diagnosed in young adults with infective endocarditis or poor management of childhood illnesses.

Myth 2: “If You Don’t Feel Symptoms, You’re Fine.” 

Reality: Early stages of valvular heart disease can go unnoticed, even if there are no symptoms. Without regular checkups, you might not know there’s an issue until the heart has sustained significant damage. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommends routine screenings for those with risk factors like hypertension or a history of heart disease.

Myth 3: “Surgery is the Only Treatment.” 

Reality: Surgery may be required for severe cases, but early stages of valvular heart disease can often be conterolled with medication and lifestyle changes. Medications like ACE inhibitors or diuretics can help reduce the heart’s workload and manage symptoms.

How Valvular Heart Disease is Treated

There are a many treatments depending on the severity of the disease:

● Medications: Medication can help control blood pressure, reduce problems including arrhythmias, and lessen fluid accumulation. ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants are examples of common drugs.

● Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are essential for managing the disease and preventing further damage.

● Surgical options: In more severe cases, valve repair or replacement surgery may be necessary. Depending on the valve involved, the repair might involve stitching or a complete valve replacement with a mechanical or biological valve.

Prevention: Protect Your Heart Today

While some causes of valvular heart disease are out of your control, you can reduce your risk with a healthy lifestyle:

● Manage high blood pressure: Control your blood pressure to reduce stress on your heart and valves.

● Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation.

● Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on foods rich in potassium, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, and limit saturated fats and sodium in your diet.

● Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and increases the strain on your heart.

● Get regular check-ups: Regular screenings can catch problems early and help prevent severe damage.