Heart valve diseases are serious circulatory system disorders that occur due to the dysfunction of the valves inside the heart and can pose life-threatening risks if not diagnosed early.
What Are Heart Valves?
The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout our body. During this pumping mechanism, there are four valves inside our heart to ensure that blood flows in the correct direction:
- Mitral valve: Located between the left atrium and left ventricle.
- Aortic valve: Located between the left ventricle and the aorta.
- Tricuspid valve: Located between the right atrium and right ventricle.
- Pulmonary valve: Located between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery.
These valves work like doors that direct blood flow. Through their closing and opening mechanisms, backflow of blood is prevented, and blood is pumped regularly to our body.
Causes of Heart Valve Diseases
Heart valve diseases occur in two ways: congenital and acquired causes.
Congenital Causes
Some people are born with structural abnormalities in their heart valves. This condition is often detected in childhood and needs to be monitored.
Acquired Causes
Acquired heart valve diseases may be due to the following factors:
- Rheumatic fever: A disease contracted in childhood that can cause permanent damage to the valves.
- Aging: Degeneration and calcification can occur in the valves.
- Heart attack: Can especially lead to mitral valve insufficiency.
- Infection: Bacterial infections such as endocarditis can damage the valve structure.
Symptoms of Heart Valve Diseases
Symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of the disease:
- Shortness of breath: Starting with exertion, progressing to occur even at rest.
- Arrhythmia: Disorders like atrial fibrillation that can lead to clot formation.
- Edema: Swelling in the ankles.
- Chest pain, fatigue, palpitations and other common complaints.
Most Common Heart Valve Diseases
Aortic Valve Stenosis
Occurs due to age-related calcification. Blood flow from the aortic valve becomes difficult.
Mitral Valve Regurgitation
The valve doesn’t close completely, causing blood to leak backward. Common after a heart attack.
Mitral Valve Stenosis
Occurs after rheumatic fever. Narrowing of the mitral valve obstructs blood flow.
Tricuspid and Pulmonary Valve Diseases
Usually develops due to congenital causes or right heart failure.
Diagnosis of Heart Valve Diseases
Diagnosis is made through complaints, physical examination, and imaging methods.
Echocardiography
- Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): Performed through the chest.
- Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): Performed through the esophagus, more detailed.
Other Imaging Methods
Methods such as angiography, CT, and MRI are preferred depending on the stage of the disease.
Treatment Methods for Heart Valve Diseases
1. Medication Treatment
To control symptoms:
- Diuretics
- Medications regulating blood pressure and rhythm
However, it doesn’t completely eliminate the disease.
2. Heart Valve Repair
Mitral and tricuspid valves are preferred. Advantages:
- Own valve tissue is preserved
- Lower risk of infection
- No need for blood thinners
3. Heart Valve Replacement
Can be done with mechanical and biological valves:
- Mechanical valve: Long-lasting but requires continuous blood thinners.
- Biological valve: Requires short-term medication but has lower durability.
4. Non-Surgical Treatment Methods
- TAVI: Used for aortic stenosis.
- MitraClip: A clipping technique for mitral regurgitation.
Recovery Process After Heart Valve Surgery
- 1-2 days in intensive care
- Total 4-5 days in hospital
- Full recovery in 3-4 weeks
Post-Surgery Blood Thinner Use
Lifelong for mechanical valves. Usually only for the first 3 months for biological valves and valve repairs.
Surgical Intervention for Heart Rhythm Disorders
Atrial fibrillation is common. Rhythm disorders can be corrected with Maze surgery during valve surgery.
Heart valve diseases can be successfully managed with early diagnosis and proper treatment. When symptoms are noticed, a specialist should be consulted without delay.
