Valvular Heart Disease: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

What is Valvular Heart Disease?

Valvular heart disease (VHD) occurs when one or more of the heart’s four valves—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary—become damaged or function improperly. The heart valves control blood flow, and when they don’t work correctly, they can lead to serious heart problems.

There are two main types of valve problems:

  1. Stenosis – The valve becomes too narrow, restricting blood flow.
  2. Regurgitation (or Insufficiency) – The valve doesn’t close properly, causing blood to leak backward.

How Does Valvular Heart Disease Develop?

Valvular heart disease is not contagious but develops due to various factors such as:

  1. Aging – Natural wear and tear can lead to valve dysfunction.
  2. Rheumatic Fever – A complication of untreated strep throat that can damage heart valves.
  3. Congenital Heart Defects – Some people are born with abnormal heart valves.
  4. High Blood Pressure & Atherosclerosis – Can damage valves over time.
  5. Endocarditis (Heart Valve Infection) – Caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream.
  6. Heart Attack or Heart Failure – Can weaken the valves.
  7. Calcium Buildup – Over time, calcium deposits can stiffen heart valves.

How Does Valvular Heart Disease Develop?

To prevent and manage valvular heart disease, avoid the following:

  • High-Sodium & Processed Foods – Can increase blood pressure and worsen heart strain.
  • Excessive Alcohol & Smoking – Damage blood vessels and heart tissues.
  • Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol – Can accelerate valve damage.
  • Skipping Antibiotics Before Dental Work (if prescribed) – Can increase the risk of endocarditis.
  • Ignoring Symptoms – Fatigue, breathlessness, chest pain, and swelling should not be ignored.
  • Heavy Physical Exertion (if the condition is severe) – Can put extra stress on the heart.

Treatment & Management

Valvular heart disease can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical procedures.

  1. Lifestyle Changes

    • Heart-Healthy Diet – Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
    • Regular Physical Activity – Light to moderate exercise as advised by a doctor.
    • Weight Management – Reduces stress on the heart and valves.
    • Good Oral Hygiene – Prevents bacterial infections that can affect heart valves.
    • Manage Blood Pressure & Diabetes – To slow disease progression.

  2. Medications

    • Diuretics – Help reduce fluid buildup.
    • Beta-Blockers & ACE Inhibitors – Lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
    • Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners) – Prevent blood clots in patients with artificial valves or atrial fibrillation.
    • Antibiotics (if needed) – To prevent infections in high-risk patients.

  3. Surgical & Interventional Treatments

    • Valve Repair – The damaged valve is surgically repaired to restore function.
    • Valve Replacement – A faulty valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological valve.
    • Balloon Valvuloplasty – A procedure to widen a narrowed valve using a balloon catheter.
    • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) – A minimally invasive valve replacement procedure for high-risk patients.
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