What are Some Signs To Tell When The Aortic Valve of The Heart is Not Functioning Well?

 

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.

Why Maintaining A Consistent Sleep Schedule Important For Your Health?

Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining the health and functioning of the body. A consistent sleep routine helps in boosting your immune system, and reduces your risk of hypertension, obesity, mood swings, and depression. Sleep needs differ from person to person but having a routine is important.

Why should you maintain a regular sleep routine as an adult

A sleep schedule that is consistent every day has numerous benefits for your body. It keeps you healthy and prevents a lot of lifestyle health conditions. Here are the reasons why you should have a good night’s sleep:

• You can better focus on work as your mind is more active

• You are more energetic during the day, you exercise performance increases

• Your immune system becomes strong and healthy

• Your mental health improves

• Your heart functioning becomes better

• You feel happier, and your mood is enhanced

• You have an improved memory

Ways to set or improve your sleep routine

Going to bed at the same time every night is the first step to a good sleep schedule. Fix that and follow the below mentioned tips for a good sleep:

• Avoid having beverages with caffeine and alcohol a few hours before your bedtime. They tend to interfere with your normal circadian rhythm. 

• Keep your room temperature cool.  It helps you sleep quicker and helps your body rest and recover. 

• Opt for clean and comfortable beddings and bed clothes.

• Keep the screens away from your reach. Limit your phone or laptop usage; blue light from these devices can impact your sleep quality.

• Take a warm shower to relax, cool down your body and improve blood circulation. 

• Try reading a book, it can help you fall asleep faster.

 

Good sleep is necessary for your body. Getting less sleep can increase your body weight, and put you at risk of diabetes and heart disease. Along with fixing your daily sleep routine, you should also be regular with your full body health checkup that includes heart health screening. Find out why regular health checkups are important for maintaining good health.

How Can I Lower My Chances Of A Heart Attack Or Stroke If I Have Diabetes?

Having diabetes can increase the chances of heart attacks and strokes. Hence, controlling your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels is essential. Needless to say, preventive healthcare has to be an important and more frequent part of your lifestyle.

 The connection between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

• High blood sugar/glucose levels: Diabetes can damage blood vessels and the nerves controlling them - sugar can leak out of the liver into the bloodstream and stay there. A blocked vessel can slow the blood from supplying oxygen to the heart thereby increasing the risk of heart diseases.

• High cholesterol: Fats in the blood such as cholesterol and triglycerides tend to increase the risk of heart disease. They result in the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels causing blockages that lead to a heart attack or stroke.

• High blood pressure: It is one of the most common causes for heart disease, especially for people with diabetes. Having both high blood pressure and diabetes can double the risk for cardiovascular health conditions.

• Obesity: Being overweight along with an existing diabetes are high risk factors for heart diseases. Excess body weight or obesity also influences the blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels.

Preventive tips for lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke, and being healthy

• Keep your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure at healthy levels.

• Quit smoking - both firsthand and secondhand smoke are harmful for your overall health. It adds to your cardiovascular disease risk.

• Keep a check on your diet. Consume foods that have high fiber, and avoid foods that have saturated fat, trans-fat and too much salt. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy.

• Exercise - an active life is good for your health and also to control diabetes, body weight, and lower your risk for heart diseases. 

• Watch and track your health status regularly with heart health checkups. Opt for a full body checkup that includes tests that checks for your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels, along with detailed heart health screenings. 

Want to understand more about the essential heart health checkups? Click here.