The heart consists of four valves: aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid. Valvular heart diseases affect the function of these valves, which are integral to maintaining efficient blood flow through the heart. Proper treatment is key to improve function and prevent worsening health effects.
The effects of valvular heart disease can depend on the type of condition a person experiences:
Heart valve diseases can result from several medical conditions, including severe high blood pressure, heart attack, rheumatic fever, and infections in the heart. Symptoms of valvular heart disease may include shortness of breath, discomfort in the chest, extreme tiredness, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
Treatment can vary according to the severity of a person’s heart valve disease, but medication often plays a role. Certain medications are effective at managing the symptoms associated with this health condition, although they cannot be used to treat specific heart valve defects.
For instance, a doctor may prescribe beta blockers to manage heart rate. When high blood pressure is an issue, drugs called vasodilators can improve blood flow through the vessels. If there is a risk of blood clots, anticoagulants may also be recommended. When damage to heart valves is severe, a patient may require surgery in addition to medication.