|
Valvular heart disease is characterized by damage to or a defect in one of the four heart valves: the mitral, aortic, tricuspid or pulmonary. The mitral and tricuspid valves control the flow of blood between the atria and the ventricles (the upper and lower chambers of the heart). The pulmonary valve controls the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs, and the aortic valve governs blood flow between the heart and the aorta, and thereby the blood vessels to the rest of the body. The mitral and aortic valves are the ones most frequently affected by valvular heart disease. Major Signs and Symptoms The main sign of heart valve disease is an unusual heartbeat sound called a heart murmur. Your doctor can hear a heart murmur with a stethoscope. However, many people have heart murmurs without having heart valve disease or any other heart problems. Others may have heart murmurs due to heart valve disease, but have no other signs or symptoms. Heart valve disease often worsens over time, so signs and symptoms may occur years after a heart murmur is first heard. Many people who have heart valve disease don't have any symptoms until they're middle-aged or older. Other common signs and symptoms of heart valve disease relate to heart failure, which heart valve disease can cause. These signs and symptoms include: • Unusual fatigue (tiredness) • Shortness of breath, especially when you exert yourself or when you're lying down • Swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and veins in the neck How Is a Leaky Heart Valve Diagnosed? A doctor usually diagnoses a leaky heart valve by: • Listening to the heart with a stethoscope for abnormal sounds such as a heart murmur • Looking at the results of a heart ultrasound, also called an echocardiogram A person’s description of symptoms along with the physical exam and echocardiogram can determine how serious a leaky heart valve is. Risks of the procedure Possible risks associated with heart valve repair or replacement surgery include, but are not limited to, the following: • Bleeding during or after the surgery • Blood clots that can cause heart attack, stroke, or lung problems • Infection at the incision site • Pneumonia • Breathing problems • Dysrhythmias/arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your health care provider. If you are lactating, or breastfeeding, you should notify your health care provider. Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, iodine, or latex should notify their doctor. There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure. Is CoreValve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Right for You? CoreValve TAVR may be right for you if you feel sick from severe aortic stenosis and your doctor has determined that you are not a candidate for open heart valve replacement surgery. Your doctor can help decide if CoreValve TAVR is the appropriate treatment option for you. https://plus.google.com/103020468635431825254/posts
Related Articles -
Valve Repair Surgery India, Cost Heart Valve Repair Surgery Delhi India, Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Cost, Center, Heart, Cardiac, Valve Repair Su,
| 
