Valvular Stenosis

Is a condition in which a valve opening has narrowed significantly. This narrowing will cause the heart to pump the blood through the valve more forcefully which inevitably deteriorates the structure of the heart and may lead to heart failure or other symptoms associated with the condition. It may strike any of the four valves of the heart. Subsequently it is categorized in relation to the affected valve: mitral stenosis, aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis or tricuspid stenosis.

Valvular insufficiency

This occurs when the valve is unable to seal the exit effectively causing the back flow of blood. It is also refered to as regurgitation, leaky valve or incompetence. As the condition progresses the heart has to pump more forcibly to provide a satisfactory supply of blood to the body. Eventually the blood supply that is being circulated and the heart will be considerably compromised. The type of valvular insufficiency will be specified in relation to the valve that it affects: aortic regurgitation, pulmonary regurgitation, mitral regurgitation or tricuspid regurgitation.

Causes of Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular disease may occur either because of a congenital defect (before birth) or may develop over the duration of a lifetime. The direct cause of the disease remains unknown in some instances.

Acquired Valve Disease

This is regarded as an irregularity that affects a valve that was once functional. The reduced functionality of the calve is often attributed to disease or infection. Two major diseases that may inspire valvular dysfunction are rheumatic heart disease or endocarditis.

Rheumatic fever occurs when an infection is left untreated which is usually caused by a pathogen like streptococcal bacteria. If treated with antibiotics promptly the probability of developing a related heart disease is greatly lowered. If, however, the disease is not treated it may result in the inflammation, thickening and shortening of the valves. It is most often associated with mitral regurgitation.

Endocarditis usually materializes when the bloodstream is flooded with pathogens that attack the heart valves causing damage. These pathogens may enter the bloodstream during dental surgery, through intravenous drug use or after an episode of serious infection

The valve may be significantly transformed in the following ways: the tearing and stretching of the papillary or chordae tendinea muscles, calcification and stiffening of the leaflets or dilation of the annulus.

Other diseases may also encourage valvular disease including: heart attack, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections, cardipmyopathy and hypertension and so on.

Congenital Valve Disease

In congenital valve disease it is more probable for the aortic and pulmonic valve to be affected. The valves may consist of malformed leaflets, be inappropriately sized or may have leaflets that are unsatisfactorily connected to the annulus.

Bicuspid aortic valve disease is a prominent congenital valve disease and causes the development of only two leaflets instead of three in the bicuspid aortic valve. This causes stiffness of or leakage from the valve.

Symptoms

Chest Discomfort

Feeling pressure or pain in the chest area markedly when exposed to cold air is a symptom that is often associated with heart disease on a whole. However this may caused by a digestive disorder, pancreatitis or any other condition that may induce chest pain.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a frequent symptom. It presents itself after performing physical activity and is often aggravated by exercise. It may also result from lying down on the back when resting or asleep. Most people affected people realize they need to sleep propped up with 2 or more pillows for satisfactory sleep. This symptom may also be associated with a pulmonary condition.

Weakness or dizziness

A spell of dizziness or sudden weakness that affects regular activity may be experienced. Other conditions including: dehydration, anaemia, viral infection and pregnancy may also cause this symptom. It is also possible to faint during or after an episode of dizziness.

Palpitations

Palpitations are considered any sudden overwhelming sensation of the heart beating. This symptom will usually be felt as an irregular heartbeat or much like the heart is frequently skipping heartbeats.

Oedema (swelling of limbs and abdomen)

Oedema will occur because of fluid retention due to poor circulation. It usually affects the feet and ankles but may also be observed in the the abdominal area. This type of swelling does not necessarily indicate a dire condition and could possible be as a result of natural ageing, sitting in a particular position for a lengthy period or pregnancy. However in most or all instances it is still advisable to seek medical intervention to eliminate any other possible life threatening conditions.

Sudden and Rapid Weight Gain

Gaining as much as or more than three pounds daily may be a likely sign of this disease. However weight gain may be as a result of excessive eating or an underlying thyroid condition such as hypothyroidism.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose the condition the doctor will perform an thorough physical examination. When this is completed other tests will be executed to guarantee that a condition is detected before it worsens. Typical diagnostic tests will generally include echocardiography, cardiac catherization, radionuclide scan, MRI magnetic resonance imaging and transesophageal echocardiography. When a diagnosis is confirmed it will be necessary to manage and treat the disease to improve the overall outcome.

Treatment for the disease will likely encompass: the administering of medications to lessen the intensity of the disease; antibiotic treatment to lessen the probability of developing any infections and surgery to repair or replace the valve if possible.