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Our heart is a tireless organ that works tirelessly to ensure blood circulation throughout the body. In this process, heart valves play a crucial role, as they act as “gates” that regulate the flow of blood within the four chambers of the heart. However, when these valves malfunction, diseases known as valvular heart disease arise. 

What is valvular heart disease?

Valvular heart disease is the disease that involves the dysfunction of one or more heart valves, resulting in them not opening properly or not closing tightly. This can cause problems with blood flow, either forward (stenosis) or backward (insufficiency). The four heart valves affected are the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary. Of these, the aortic and mitral valves are the most commonly affected.

What symptoms should we be concerned about?

Valvular heart disease can develop silently for many years, without any particular symptoms. However, as the heart’s function is affected, the following warning signs may appear:

• Dyspnea during exercise or even at rest

• Fatigue and weakness

• Dizziness or tendency to faint

• Chest pain

• Flutter or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)

• Swelling (swelling) in feet or ankles

In any case, when such symptoms appear, it is important to consult a specialist, as early diagnosis saves lives. 

What factors cause valvulopathy?

The causes of valvulopathy vary and depend on age, history and other factors. The most common include:

• Age-related degenerative changes (especially in the aortic and mitral valve)

• Rheumatic fever, which can cause valve damage at younger ages

• Congenital anomalies such as bicuspid aorta valve

• Heart Infections (Endocarditis)

• Heredity and family history of heart disease

• High blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes, which burden the cardiovascular system

Can it also occur at a young age?

Although valvular disease is more often associated with old age, it is not excluded that it can also occur in younger people. Congenital forms of the condition, as well as complications from infections or autoimmune diseases, can lead to premature valve wear. 

Early diagnosis can be made through a simple preventive cardiological check-up, with auscultation of the heart and an echocardiogram. Especially if there are symptoms or a family history, it is important not to neglect monitoring.

Is there a cure for valvular heart disease?

Valvular heart disease is not always immediately life-threatening, but when it causes significant dysfunction, treatment is necessary. The approach depends on the type of lesion, its severity, and the patient’s general condition. 

The main treatment options include:

• Conservative monitoring, when the condition is mild or does not cause symptoms, with regular cardiological checks and echocardiography

• Medication, for the regulation of blood pressure, heart function and relief from symptoms such as, shortness of breath or arrhythmias

• Surgical intervention, in cases of advanced disease, with the aim of either repairing or replacing the valve with an artificial one (mechanical or biological)

In recent years, however, medical technology has made huge leaps and has offeredless invasive solutions, especially for older patients or those with serious underlying problems who cannot undergo open heart surgery. 

Among the most modern methods are:

• TAVI(Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation): This involves the percutaneous placement of a valve in the aortic position, via a catheter from the femoral artery, without the need for a sternotomy. It is a revolution in the treatment of aortic valve stenosis, especially in elderly or frail patients.

• TMVR(Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement): Percutaneous mitral valve replacement for patients who cannot undergo surgery is applied in selected cases and with strict criteria

• PVR(Pulmonary Valve Replacement): This is the percutaneous replacement of the pulmonary valve, most often in young patients with congenital heart disease or previous cardiac surgery

• MitraClip: An extremely modern technique that allows percutaneous repair of mitral valve insufficiency, without removing or replacing the valve. By placing a small “clip” that reduces blood leakage, MitraClip offers relief from symptoms and improved quality of life, without the risks of classic surgery

These percutaneous techniques offer faster recovery, smaller surgical trauma and fewer complications, while in many cases the hospitalization does not exceed 3 to 5 days. It is impressive that many patients return to basic daily activities within just a few weeks.

In conclusion

Valvular heart disease is an insidious but treatable heart condition. Prevention, information and early diagnosis are our main “weapons” for maintaining our cardiovascular health.

If you feel that your heart “beats differently” or experience any related symptom, do not neglect it. An appointment with a cardiologist can offer you not only reassurance, but also a life full of energy and security.