Valvular Heart Disease

content of this page

1- Introduction

2- Pathophysiological Overview

 

3- Symptoms 

4- Treatment 

Introduction

Valvular heart disease (VHD) refers to any dysfunction or abnormality of one or more of the heart’s valves, which are responsible for controlling blood flow through the heart’s chambers. There are four main valves in the heart: the aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves. VHD can result from various conditions that cause the valves to become stenotic (narrowed) or regurgitant (leaky).

Pathophysiological Overview

  • VHD can be categorized into stenosis (narrowing of the valve opening) and regurgitation (incomplete closure of the valve leading to backflow).

    Aortic Valve Disease

    • Aortic Stenosis:
      • Pathophysiology: Narrowing of the aortic valve opening increases resistance to blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
      • Consequences: Increased left ventricular pressure, hypertrophy, reduced cardiac output, and potential heart failure.
    • Aortic Regurgitation:
      • Pathophysiology: Incomplete closure of the aortic valve allows blood to flow back into the left ventricle during diastole.
      • Consequences: Volume overload of the left ventricle, dilation, hypertrophy, and eventually heart failure.

    Mitral Valve Disease

    • Mitral Stenosis:
      • Pathophysiology: Narrowing of the mitral valve opening impedes blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
      • Consequences: Increased left atrial pressure, atrial enlargement, pulmonary congestion, and risk of atrial fibrillation.
    • Mitral Regurgitation:
      • Pathophysiology: Incomplete closure of the mitral valve allows blood to flow back into the left atrium during systole.
      • Consequences: Volume overload of the left atrium and ventricle, atrial enlargement, pulmonary congestion, and heart failure.

    Tricuspid Valve Disease

    • Tricuspid Stenosis:
      • Pathophysiology: Narrowing of the tricuspid valve opening impedes blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
      • Consequences: Increased right atrial pressure, atrial enlargement, and systemic venous congestion.
    • Tricuspid Regurgitation:
      • Pathophysiology: Incomplete closure of the tricuspid valve allows blood to flow back into the right atrium during systole.
      • Consequences: Volume overload of the right atrium and ventricle, atrial enlargement, and systemic venous congestion.

    Pulmonary Valve Disease

    • Pulmonary Stenosis:
      • Pathophysiology: Narrowing of the pulmonary valve opening increases resistance to blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
      • Consequences: Increased right ventricular pressure, hypertrophy, and reduced blood flow to the lungs.
    • Pulmonary Regurgitation:
      • Pathophysiology: Incomplete closure of the pulmonary valve allows blood to flow back into the right ventricle during diastole.
      • Consequences: Volume overload of the right ventricle, dilation, hypertrophy, and eventually right heart failure.

Symptoms

  • Shortness of Breath: Especially during exertion or when lying down.
  • Fatigue: Reduced ability to perform physical activities.
  • Swelling (Edema): In the ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen.
  • Palpitations: Sensation of a rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat.
  • Dizziness or Fainting: Particularly with aortic stenosis.
  • Chest Pain or Discomfort: Especially during exertion.
  • Rapid Weight Gain: Due to fluid retention.

Treatment

  • Medications: To manage symptoms and prevent complications (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers, anticoagulants).
  • Lifestyle Changes: Diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
  • Surgical and Interventional Procedures:
    • Valve Repair: Surgical techniques to repair the existing valve.
    • Valve Replacement: Replacing the damaged valve with a mechanical or biological valve.
    • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A minimally invasive procedure for aortic valve replacement.
    • Balloon Valvuloplasty: A catheter-based procedure to widen a stenotic valve.
Scroll to Top

Terms and Conditions