Overview of Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves do not function properly, affecting normal blood flow through the heart. The valves may become narrowed (stenosis), leaky (regurgitation), or unable to close/open fully (prolapse or atresia). Over time, this can weaken the heart and lead to serious complications. Under the expert care of Dr. Karthik Raghuram, patients receive precise diagnosis, personalised treatment, and long-term monitoring to protect heart function and overall health.

Why Heart Valve Disease Is Serious

Healthy valves ensure that blood flows smoothly in the right direction. When a valve is damaged:

• The heart must work harder

• Blood flow becomes restricted or backward

• Pressure builds up in chambers and lungs

• Heart failure or arrhythmias may develop

Early diagnosis prevents complications and helps preserve heart strength.

Types of Heart Valve Disease

1. Aortic Valve Disease

• Narrowing (aortic stenosis)

• Leakage (aortic regurgitation)

2. Mitral Valve Disease

• Leakage (mitral regurgitation)

• Narrowing (mitral stenosis)

• Mitral valve prolapse

3. Tricuspid Valve Disease

• Leakage or narrowing affecting right-side heart function

4. Pulmonary Valve Disease

• Typically congenital; affects blood flow to the lungs

Understanding which valve is affected guides the appropriate treatment.

Common Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

Symptoms may appear slowly or suddenly, depending on the severity. These include:

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue or reduced activity tolerance

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Heart palpitations

• Swelling in feet or ankles

• Dizziness or fainting spells

• Irregular heartbeat

Symptoms worsen as the valve becomes more impaired.

Causes of Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease can occur due to:

• Age-related degeneration

• Rheumatic fever

• Congenital (birth) abnormalities

• Heart infections (endocarditis)

• High blood pressure

• Heart attack damage

• Connective tissue disorders

Identifying the cause helps guide long-term treatment.

How Heart Valve Disease Is Diagnosed

Dr. Karthik Raghuram uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess valve structure and function:

1. Clinical Examination

Listening for murmurs and evaluating symptoms and risk factors.

2. Diagnostic Tests

• 2D Echocardiogram: Primary test to visualize valve movement and blood flow

• Doppler Echo: Measures severity of stenosis or regurgitation

• ECG: Identifies rhythm abnormalities

• Chest X-ray: Detects heart enlargement or lung congestion

• Cardiac MRI: For detailed heart structure imaging (if required)

• CT Coronary Angiography or Coronary Angiography: Evaluates arteries and valve involvement

These tests help determine the severity and guide the right treatment.

Treatment Approach for Heart Valve Disease

Treatment depends on the type, severity, and symptoms of valve dysfunction. Dr. Karthik provides a personalised plan that may include:

1. Medication Therapy

• Drugs to reduce symptoms

• Medications for blood pressure and heart rhythm control

• Diuretics for fluid buildup

• Blood thinners for certain valve conditions

• Antibiotics in cases of infection risk

2. Interventional Procedures

For specific valve diseases:

• Balloon valvotomy for narrowed valves

• Minimally invasive valve repair procedures

3. Surgical Treatment

If the valve is severely damaged:

• Valve repair surgery

• Valve replacement (mechanical or biological)

The choice depends on age, severity, risk factors, and lifestyle needs.

4. Long-Term Follow-Up

Regular monitoring ensures early detection of changes and timely treatment adjustments.

Complications of Untreated Valve Disease

If not properly managed, valve disease can lead to:

• Heart failure

• Stroke

• Severe arrhythmias

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Infective endocarditis

• Sudden cardiac events

Early treatment significantly reduces these risks.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek urgent help if you experience:

• Sudden breathlessness

• Severe chest pain

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Fainting spells

• Swelling or sudden weight gain

These symptoms may indicate valve deterioration or a cardiac emergency.

Book Your Heart Valve Disease Consultation

Heart valve disease is manageable with timely and expert care. Schedule your evaluation with Dr. Karthik Raghuram to receive accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and compassionate long-term support for a healthier future.