Your Trusted Valvular Heart DiseaseTreatment and Prevention Experts In South Dakota
What is Valvular Heart Disease
There are four heart valves. If one or more of your heart valves is diseased (leaky or narrowed), blood flow through the heart may be abnormal causing symptoms such as shortness of breath. You may require valve repair or surgery depending on the severity of valve disease. Less severe valve disease can treated with medication and monitored over time.
Symptoms of Valvular Heart Disease
In most patients, valve disease worsens over many years. The most common symptoms of heart valve disease include:
- Shortness of breath or waking up at night short of breath
- Shortness of breath when lying down
- Swelling of the legs, feet and ankles
- Dizziness, fainting
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
Risk Factors of Valvular Heart Disease
Coronary artery diease
High Blood Pressure
heart attack
Heart Failure
Other heart disease
Types of Valvular Heart Disease
Aortic valve stenosis is the most common form of valve disease. It usually occurs in older patients, but some younger patients with a congenital form of valve disease (Bicuspid Aortic Valve) may require surgery at younger ages. The aortic valve can be fixed with open heart surgery or through a large artery in the leg.
Most patients with valve disease have either valve stenosis (narrowing and thickening) or valve regurgitation (leaky valve). Less common forms of valve disease include prolapse and atresia.
Aortic valve regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve is leaky. This can result in an enlarged and weakened heart muscle. This form of valve disease usually requires open-heart surgery.
This form of valve disease is rare in the United States. It can be repaired through a vein in the leg with balloon valvuloplasty or open-heart surgery.
Typically, older patients with a history of heart failure or coronary artery disease experience mitral regurgitation. If severe, it can be repaired through a vein in the leg or with open-heart surgery.
Stenosis of regurgitation of the tricuspid and pulmonary valves is less common. If severe, both valves can be repaired or replaced using minimally invasive techniques or with open-heart surgery.
Diagnosis of Valvular Heart Disease
The diagnosis of heart valve disease is made by a cardiologist who asks questions about your medical history and personally examines you. Additionally, testing such as blood tests, X-Ray, ultrasound (echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram), CT imaging, and cardiac MRI help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Valvular Heart Disease
Heart valve disease is treated based on symptoms, the severity of disease (mild, moderate, severe), and whether the valve problem is worsening. Treatment ranges from close monitoring to dietary changes, medications, and procedures or surgery to repair or replace the abnormal heart valve. More detailed discussions about valve procedures and surgeries can be held during consultation with your cardiologist.
Experienced Care for Valvular Heart Disease Symptoms in the Black Hills
If you are having symptoms concerning for heart valve disease, or if a family member has known valve disease, please call to schedule an appointment or discuss with your primary care physician (PCP).
