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The heart is the body’s powerhouse. When it is affected, all the body organs are at risk of not functioning correctly. This is why when you go to the hospital, and your doctor breaks the bad news that you have a heart problem, this can send shivers in your spine. However, your board certified cardiologist in Plano, TX asserts that heart disease is not a death sentence when you seek treatment from a skilled doctor in good time.
Valvular heart disease occurs when your heart’s valve fails to work as it should. Your heart has four valves that maintain one-way blood flow through your heart. They make sure there is no backward leakage, only forward flows.
Symptoms of valvular disease
- Palpitations, you may feel an irregular heartbeat, a rapid heart rhythm, or skipped beats in your chest.
- You may experience shortness of breath or difficulty catching your breath, especially when you are actively doing your daily activities.
- Weakness or dizziness, you may feel dizzy or weak doing your normal daily activities.
- You may experience swelling of your ankles, feet, or abdomen.
- Discomfort in your chest when going out in cold air, feeling pressure in your chest.
We have different types of valvular disease. These are:
Valvular insufficiency
This occurs when the valve does not close tightly, causing the blood to leak backward across the valve. As the leakage worsens, it will cause the heart to work harder to make up for the leaky valve causing less blood to flow to the rest of the body.
Valvular stenosis
Valvular stenosis is caused by stiffness or leaflets, making the valve opening smaller, causing the heart to work very hard to pump blood through it.
How to diagnose heart disease
Your doctor can detect whether you have the valvular disease by performing a physical examination, sharing with you the symptoms, and giving your further tests.
During the physical examination, your doctor will listen to your lungs to hear to check for fluid retention in your lungs.
Your doctor will also listen to your heart to hear the sounds your heart makes as your valve opens and closes. Your doctor can also detect if your heart is enlarged.
By examining your body, your doctor will find clues about your other organs’ functioning and circulation.
Your doctor may request a diagnostic test. These may include:
- Transesophageal echocardiography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Echocardiography
- Radionuclide scans
- Cardiac catheterization
By analyzing the results, your doctor can see your valve disease’s progress and recommend your treatment.
How to treat valvular heart disease
The treatment will depend on the type and severity of the disease. There are three treatment goals for valvular disease:
Repairing or replacing valves
Your doctor may perform heart valve repair surgery or heart valve replacement surgery.
Lessening symptoms
Dr. Singh may prescribe medicines to you to relieve symptoms.
Protecting your valve from further damage
Your doctor will recommend you to practice healthy lifestyle changes under his close supervision.
If you are struggling with valvular heart disease, it is not the end of life since your condition can be managed. Call Heart and Vascular Care or book an appointment online to start your treatment.
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