Heart valve issues are related to many different conditions that obstruct the functioning of one or more of the valves in the heart and hinders proper circulation. If not treated in time, heart valve dysfunction can impact the quality of life and be fatal. Identifying a malfunctioning heart valve can help in treatment and restoration of their normal function and healthy life.
The function of heart valves
There are four valves in the heart - mitral, tricuspid, aortic and pulmonic. They ensure the blood flow in only one direction uniformly through your heart. The valves are made of flaps of tissue that open so that the blood can move forward through the heart during the first half of the heartbeat. During the other half of the heartbeat, they close to prevent blood from flowing back. These tissue flaps are called leaflets. In the mitral and tricuspid valves, there are fibrous strands of tissue that connect them to the papillary muscles inside the walls of the ventricles. They keep the leaflets sturdy against any wrong flow of blood.
Heart valve disease
Heart valve disease happens when the valves of your heart do not function correctly. Some birth defects, Rheumatic fever, over time degeneration, and infections can cause heart valve disease.
Symptoms of heart valve disease
When the heart valves begin to function improperly, the heart needs to work harder to compensate for the decreased blood flow. With passing time, the valves malfunctioning progress and symptoms begin to show. Some of the signs are mentioned below:
Discomfort in the chest
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Swelling of the ankles, feet or abdomen (Edema)
Dizziness
Weakness
Unexplained weight gain
How is valve disease diagnosed?
Regular physical examinations are essential to find out about fluid in the lungs, enlargement of the heart, and heart murmur. Heart valve issues can be diagnosed by several medical tests that are included in the full body health checkups:
Echocardiogram: it is the ultrasound of the heart where a moving image of the valves and chambers are displayed using sound waves
Angiogram: it is the x-ray of the coronary arteries, heart’s chambers and valves done by dye injected into a catheter in your limbs
Electrocardiogram: the electrical activity of the heart is recorded in graphs using small electrode patches
Depending on your current health and any existing health conditions, your physician might suggest some more tests like stress echocardiogram, MRI. Your doctor can monitor the progress of your valve issues and help you in making decisions about prevention or treatment plans. Check your heart valves now with a heart health checkup.
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