How are they caused?
In the heart there are four valves, which ensure that the blood flows in the correct direction. If these valves are damaged, this can affect the way in which the blood flows through the heart. It can also mean a backwards flowing motion of blood, which can leak back into the lungs.
This means the heart has to pump harder, which increases the amount of pressure that is put on the heart. These valves can be damaged:
- By infection
- By injury
- As a result of an abnormality an infant is born with (congenital heart disease).
What are the symptoms?
Sometimes no symptoms appear. But some of the symptoms include:
- Fatigue.
- Shortness of breath when exercising.
What are the complications?
Sometimes with increased pressure on the heart due to heart valve defects, the following may occur:
- Chronic Heart Failure.
- Arrhythmia.
- Infective Endocarditis.
How is it diagnosed?
These conditions can be found during a routine check-up. Your GP may hear a murmur with his/her stethoscope. Your GP may send you for:
- ECG (which measures the electrical activities in your heart).
- Chest X-ray.
- Echocardiography (can see the severity of damage done to arteries etc.).
What are the commoner Heart Valve Disorders?
These include:
- Aortic stenosis
- Aortic incompetence
- Mitral stenosis
- Mitral regurgitation
- Mitral valve prolapse
What is the treatment?
Your doctor or cardiologist may prescribe some medication, which will strengthen your heartbeat or relieve your symptoms. If you have a severe heart valve disorder, your cardiologist may recommend surgery.
