What Is Heart Valve Disease?

Types of Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease can take on many forms, including:

• Atresia – If a valve fails to form correctly, it can prevent blood from moving from one chamber to another. This is known as atresia. 

• Stenosis – Stiffening valve flaps can cause the opening to become narrowed, which decreases how much blood flows through the valves. 

• Regurgitation – Regurgitation occurs when the flaps over valves don’t fully close and allow blood to flow backwards. 

• Prolapse – Prolapse can also cause backwards blood flow due to distended valve flaps, which can fail to seal the valve sufficiently.

Treatment of heart valve disease is crucial for preventing more serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. These include blood clots, heart failure, and stroke.

 

Who Gets Heart Valve Disease?

Some people are born with congenital heart defects that can impact the function of the valves. Certain risk factors can also increase one’s chances of experiencing heart valve disease.

The condition is most prevalent in older adults, as well as people with certain health issues (including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease). Certain types of infections, such as rheumatic fever, also increase the risk of heart valve disease.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Heart Valve Disease

People with heart valve disease often need blood thinners to help blood flow efficiently through the heart. When damage is severe, doctors can perform surgery and heart valve replacement. Along with treatment, certain lifestyle changes can also help with the management of heart valve disease:

• Exercise on a regular basis and maintain a reasonable weight
• Quit smoking or don’t start
• Eat a nutritious diet focusing on whole foods and low-fat items
• Visit your doctor for regular check-ups
• Get enough sleep each night

Proper management of heart valve disease can greatly improve your prognosis and help you avoid more serious complications.