Valvular heart disease (VHD) happens when one or more of your heart's four valves does not open or close properly, which can strain your heart and reduce blood flow. You may notice fatigue, shortness of breath, or swelling. At Signet Heart Group, our cardiologists diagnose valve problems with echocardiography and guide you through monitoring and treatment options.
What is Valvular Heart Disease (VHD)?
The heart is an organ that pumps oxygen-rich blood to every cell in the body. The human heart is divided into four chambers, two superior atria and two inferior ventricles that are connected by four valves (mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary). The heart valves permit the unidirectional flow of blood between the chambers of the heart.
Valvular heart disease (VHD) occurs when your heart valves do not function properly. Any damage or defect of the valve causes an abnormal blood flow through the heart. Types of heart valve disease include:
- Valvular stenosis is the narrowing of any of the heart valves causing obstruction of the blood flow.
- Valvular regurgitation or incompetence, also known as the leaky valve is a condition in which the valves do not close completely and allow the blood to leak backward into the heart.
Causes of Valvular Heart Disease
The major causes of Valvular Heart Disease include:
- Congenital heart disease (abnormal valves present at birth)
- Rheumatic fever
- Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
- Heart attack
- Advanced age
- Infection of the heart valves (endocarditis)
- High blood pressure
- Radiation therapy used to treat cancer
Symptoms of Valvular Heart Disease
The symptoms of a Valvular Heart Disease include:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or dizziness
- Chest pain and discomfort
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling of ankles, feet, or abdomen
- Sudden weight gain
Diagnosis of Valvular Heart Disease
The diagnosis of VHD is based on your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.
The examination includes inspection, palpation, and auscultation of the heart. Your doctor listens to your heart sounds using a stethoscope. A murmur is an abnormal heart sound heard when the blood flows through a stenotic or leaky valve. Your doctor may order a few diagnostic tests such as:
- Echocardiography is an imaging test that uses sound waves to examine the heart anatomy and its functions.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
- A cardiac or treadmill stress test is used to determine the effects of exercise on the heart. It provides your doctor with information about your blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
- Cardiac catheterization or Angiography is a diagnostic test performed to assess the heart and blood vessel conditions. A thin flexible catheter is placed through a small incision into a large artery, usually in your groin. Once the catheter reaches the site of the heart blood vessel to be viewed, a contrast material is injected and X-ray images are taken.
Treatment of Valvular Heart Disease
The treatment of valvular heart disease depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms.
- Lifestyle modifications such as eating a healthy diet low in salt and fat, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress will help slow the progression of your heart disease.
- Your doctor may prescribe medications to improve your cardiac health.
- Surgery is indicated when conservative treatment measures fail to relieve cardiac symptoms.
The surgical options depend on the patient’s age and health status and may include:
- Percutaneous balloon valvotomy is a procedure in which a balloon is placed across the stenosed valve and inflated. This results in the widening of the valve and smooth blood flow.
- Minimally invasive heart valve surgeries to repair or replace the damaged heart valves.
Types of Surgery for Valvular Heart Disease
There are two different types of valve surgery:
Valve Repair: This is often performed for valves with mild to moderate damage.
Valve Replacement: This is performed for seriously damaged valves. Here the diseased valve is removed and replaced with a new valve. The replacement valves can either be biological or mechanical valves.
The need for heart valve repair or replacement depends on many factors, such as the type, cause, and severity of the valve disease, the symptoms, and the general overall health of the patient. Valvular surgery helps to reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Why Choose Signet Heart Group for Valvular Heart Disease
Valve disease care starts with an accurate picture of your heart. Here is why you can count on our team:
- Echocardiography expertise: Several of our physicians hold board certification in echocardiography, and we offer echocardiograms to evaluate your valves.
- Structural heart training: Dr. Rumman Syed completed advanced fellowship training in interventional and structural cardiology, an area focused on valve and other structural heart problems.
- Care that follows you over time: Many valve conditions are monitored for years. We track changes with regular imaging and adjust your care as your needs change.
- Convenient locations: You can see us in Sherman, Anna, or Dallas, Texas, or Durant, Oklahoma, with telehealth visits available.
Valvular Heart Disease FAQs
Can I have a heart valve problem without symptoms?
Yes. Mild valve disease often causes no symptoms and may be found when your doctor hears a heart murmur. Regular checkups help us catch changes before they affect your heart.
How often will I need an echocardiogram?
It depends on which valve is affected and how severe the problem is. Some people need an echocardiogram every few years, while others need one more often.
When is valve repair or replacement needed?
Repair or replacement is usually considered when a valve problem becomes severe, causes symptoms, or begins to affect how well your heart pumps. Your cardiologist will explain the options and timing.
Can medication fix a heart valve?
Medication cannot repair a damaged valve, but it can help manage symptoms and protect your heart. Treatment may include medicines for blood pressure, heart rhythm, or fluid buildup.
Schedule Your Visit
If you have been told you have a heart murmur or valve problem, call Signet Heart Group at or request an appointment online at our offices in Sherman, Anna, or Dallas, Texas, or Durant, Oklahoma.
