The valves of the heart plays an important role in the organ’s primary function, and that is the circulation of blood. It’s because of the valves that the heart can pump blood in the forward direction.
However, the heart valves, at times, do not work like the way they should. And this, in turn, causes complications to arise.
Signs and Symptoms Of Heart Valve Diseases
Here are some of the common symptoms of heart valve diseases:
- Discomfort in the chest
In many cases of heart valve diseases, chest discomfort is one of the primary symptoms. The chest discomfort may be caused by a pressure-like sensation. Heart valve disorder-associated chest discomfort often worsens after normal physical activities such as walking and doing household chores. Many people experience worsening of chest discomfort when spending time in cold air.
If you experience any type of persisting discomfort in your chest, make sure not to ignore it. Consult our cardio thoracic and vascular surgeon in Siliguri by visiting our hospital Neotia Getwel Healthcare Centre. The hospital has highly-experienced team of interventional cardiologist, cardio thoracic and vascular surgeons.
- Edema
Edema, or also known as swelling, is another primary symptom of heart valve diseases. In most cases, swelling occurs in the feet and ankles. Swelling in these areas may cause joint pain as well. Swelling can also occur in the abdomen. And when it occurs, it can cause a bloating-like sensation in the upper abdomen area.
- Palpitations
It’s common for people with heart valve diseases to experience palpitations. The palpitations can be irregular heartbeats, skipped heartbeats, and flip flop feeling in the chest. In some cases, palpitations can occur at night and affect sleep.
- Weakness
Heart valve diseases can cause weakness as a primary symptom. The weakness can prevent you from going about your daily routine. Many people with heart valve diseases also experience dizziness along with weakness.
- Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is also a primary symptom of heart valve diseases. Heart valve diseases-associated shortness of breath can occur specifically when lying down flat in bed.
Causes of Valvular Heart Diseases
In many cases, the exact cause of a particular heart valve diseases is unknown. Heart valve diseases can occur in adults or be present before birth. Abnormalities of the heart valves such improper attachment of the leaflets can cause congenital heart valve disease.
Problems can also develop in heart valves that were once normal. This type of onset is known as acquired heart valve disease. Underlying health problems such as endocarditis and rheumatic fever are the primary causes of acquired heart valve diseases.
Other underlying health conditions that can cause heart valve diseases include connective tissue diseases, aortic aneurysms, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease, and syphilis, cardiomyopathy.
Treatment for Heart Valve Diseases
Treatment for heart valve diseases depends on the type and severity of the disease. Medication is the first line of treatment for various types of severe heart valve diseases. The medicines prescribed are usually aimed towards treating the symptoms only.
But when heart valve is damaged severely, then heart valve repair or replacement needs to be done. Both heart valve repair or replacement can be done in conventional way where a long cut is made in breast bone or by newer minimal invasive way, where a 2 inch incision is given over the right side of the chest.
Get a Proper Heart Health Diagnosis Done
Are you looking for the best cardio thoracic and vascular surgeon in Siliguri? Visit Neotia Getwel Healthcare Centre to get a proper diagnosis of any heart valve disease-related symptoms you are experiencing. With proper diagnosis, our cardio thoracic and vascular surgeon can choose the right treatment option and help you keep the risk of complications at bay.