Valvular Diseases

Valvular diseases of the heart are medical conditions caused by the impaired functioning of the heart valves, four gate-like structures located in the heart, whose role is to ensure the one-way flow of blood between the heart chambers and arteries. When a heart valve is damaged, it may become narrowed (stenosis), leak (insufficiency), or fail to open or close properly.

There are several types of valvular diseases:

Aortic Valve Stenosis: This is the valve that connects the left ventricle to the aorta.
Aortic Valve Insufficiency: A leakage of the aortic valve causing blood to flow back from the aorta into the left ventricle.
Mitral Valve Stenosis: The valve that connects the left atrium to the left ventricle.
Mitral Valve Insufficiency: A leakage of the mitral valve causing blood to flow back from the left ventricle to the left atrium.
Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: The valve connecting the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency: A leakage of the pulmonary valve allowing blood to flow back from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle.
Tricuspid Valve Stenosis: The valve that connects the right atrium to the right ventricle.
Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency: A leakage of the tricuspid valve causing blood to flow back from the right ventricle to the right atrium.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of damage and usually include shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, chest pain, leg swelling (edema), strong or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and more.

How are Valvular Diseases Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through medical history, physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiography. Treatment options include medications, catheterization, and surgery to repair or replace the damaged valve, depending on the specific issue. In patients needing coronary artery bypass surgery, valve issues are often treated surgically during the same procedure, depending on their severity.

Types and Origins of Valvular Diseases

Valvular diseases are categorized into two main types: congenital and acquired.

Congenital defects in the heart valves are a result of disturbances during fetal development. In contrast, acquired valvular diseases arise from external factors such as viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma or injury, and even factors like exposure to radiation.

Valvular diseases are serious medical conditions, and it is important that treatment and monitoring be performed by a specialized doctor with extensive clinical experience.