Valvular Heart Disease: A Life-Threatening Condition

Learning how heart valves operate inside our bodies can help us understand what valvular heart disease is all about. The heart (human) has four valves-Aortic, Mitral, Tricuspid and Pulmonary. These valves, known as leaflets or cusps, are shaped as the flaps of tissue, and their function is to regulate the forward and backward flow of blood Stenosis and Regurgitation are the central categories of valvular heart disease that occur in individuals. Stenosis occurs when the opening of the valve is too narrow to allow a smooth forward flow of blood. Regurgitation is the improper closure of the valve that results in the backflow of blood.

Congenital heart problems are one possible cause of valvular heart disease; the disease is categorized as such when the abnormality occurs during fetal development due to one reason or another. Frequently, the reason for the abnormality is not established. In these cases the infants are mostly born with Stenosis of the pulmonary or aortic valve. Abnormalities can occur when said infants have a family history of valve problems; even environmental hazards or health problems that were experienced by the mother pre-pregnancy can be a contributing factor.

Valvular heart disease caused after birth is categorized ‘as acquired’ since the affected valve was structurally normal during birth; the disease ‘is acquired’ when an abnormality occurs in any of the valves. There are numerous factors that can contribute to valvular heart disease. Endocarditis, which causes infection of the valves, high blood pressure and rheumatic fever are just some of the reasons that facilitate valvular heart disease. Other causes such as arteriosclerosis, syphilis and connective tissue disorders can also be detrimental to the heart. So if the abnormality is ‘congenital’ the disease is known as congenital aortic stenosis, and if ‘acquired’, acquired aortic stenosis. One other abnormality of the aortic valve, a backward flow of the blood, is called aortic regurgitation. Abnormalities can occur in any valve and ultimately result in valvular heart disease.

Medication is seldom the answer to treating valvular heart disease. The abnormal valve is normally repaired or replaced through surgery; these procedures, Percutaneous balloon valvoplasty and valvotomy use traditional surgery and valve replacement procedures. When treated successfully, the lives of individuals treated for valvular heart disease can be significantly extended.

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