Description Disease in one or m...
Description
Disease in one or more of the four valves of the heart: mitral, aortic, tricuspid and pulmonic. These valves separate the small chambers (atria) from the large chambers (ventricles). They open and close allowing blood to flow in only one direction. When they malfunction they can slow the normal flow of blood (stenosis) or can allow the blood to flow in the wrong direction (regurgitation). If the valve is very damaged both stenosis and regurgitation can occur. If the valve defect is severe the heart cannot pump blood normally resulting in heart failure. The following conditions can cause valvular heart disease: atherosclerosis, heart attacks, infection, congenital disorders, rheumatic fever, autoimmune diseases, collagen vascular disorders, and trauma.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the severity of the valve defect and some patients will not have any symptoms. Symptoms include: chest pain, breathing problems, racing heart, palpitations, fainting, leg swelling, shortness of breath lying flat (orthopnea), waking up with shortness of breath (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The provider can sometimes hear an abnormal heart sound called a murmur. Diagnosis is confirmed with an echocardiogram, MRI and/or coronary angiography.
Tests:
Echocardiogram (ECHO), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Specialists:
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The provider can sometimes hear an abnormal heart sound called a murmur. Diagnosis is confirmed with an echocardiogram, MRI and/or coronary angiography.
Tests:
Echocardiogram (ECHO), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Specialists:
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Treatment
Therapy depends on the extent of the back flow of blood, the symptoms being experienced and the damage that has occurred to the heart. Treatment includes: medications to improve the heart function, surgical replacement of the valve, surgical repair of the valve, or observation. Artificial heart valves are made from tissue or metal. Metal valves last longer but require lifelong blood thinners such as warfarin/Coumadin. Tissue valves are made from pig, bovine or human cadaver tissue and do not require blood thinner medications but do not last as long and may need to be replaced. Medications that may be used include diuretics, vasodilators and antiarrhythmics if there is an abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection of the valve before dental work, gastrointestinal procedures, and urinary tract procedures.