The leakage of the heart valve; Symptoms, reasons and ways of treatment

Collection: Diseases and the way of treatment

Whatever you need to know about the leakage of the heart

What is a leaky heart valve?

Heart valve leakage is a common type of heart valve disease. This condition occurs when one of the four heart valves is not completely closed. As a result, some blood flows back each valve.

The severity of this condition depends on the amount of leakage. If the leakage is only minor, you probably won't have symptoms and heart function will not be in trouble. But moderate to severe leakage may cause symptoms or require treatment to prevent damage to the heart.

Heart valves are like doors that manage blood flow to the heart. These valves are unilateral, in the sense that they flow the blood in the correct path and prevent it from returning. But congenital heart defects (structural changes that exist from birth) or problems that occur throughout life can damage the valves. This injury may cause leakage or other forms of heart disease.

Other names for the leakage of the heart valve:

• Heart valve failure

• Inefficiency of heart valve

• Blood return from heart valve

Leakage of heart valves

There are four types of heart valve failure called the damaged valve:

• Mitral valve failure: It sends blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle. In the event of a leak, some blood returns to the left corridor.

• Aortic valve failure: It sends blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. In the event of a leak, some blood returns to the left ventricle.

• Triple valve failure: This valve sends blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle. In the event of a leak, some blood returns to the right corridor.

• Pulmonic valve failure: This valve sends blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. In the event of a leak, some blood returns to the right ventricle.

Symptoms of heart valve leakage

A minor or mild leakage of the valve may have no symptoms. But moderate to severe cases can cause the following symptoms:

• Pain or pressure in the chest

• Cough

• Fatigue or weakness

• Heart palpitations

• shortness of breath during physical activity

• swelling (edema) in the legs and wrists

The causes of the leakage of the heart valve

There are several reasons for heart valve failure, including:

• Valve tissue erosion (degeneration of mixomatosis), which is often caused by aging.

• Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)

• congenital heart disease

• Heart valve infection (endocarditis)

• Heart injury caused by a previous heart attack

• Heart tumors

• Heart's rheumatic disease

• Toracic aortic aneurysm

Complications caused by leakage of heart valve

Heart valve leakage can reduce heart efficiency. Since some of the blood flows into the wrong path, the heart must work more to maintain proper blood flow. This extra pressure can lead to complications such as:

• Atrial fibrillation

• Heart enlargement (cardiomgial)

• Heart failure

• pulmonary blood pressure

• Sudden cardiac arrest

Is it a serious heart valve leakage?

The severity of heart valve failure varies from mild to severe. Doctors consider the following to determine the severity of the situation:

• Your symptoms

• The structural status of the valve

• Blood flow through the valve

• Effect of valve leakage on heart function and blood flow to the body

Heart valve failure can be a serious problem if it prevents the heart from functioning properly. The main task of the heart is to pump oxygen -rich blood to all organs and tissues of the body. Heart valve disease that disrupts this process requires diagnosis and treatment.

How is a heart valve leakage diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical examination first. During the examination, the doctor does the following:

• Ask you about your medical symptoms and history.

• Check your vital signs.

• It touchs different parts of your body, such as legs or abdomen, to examine the symptoms of swelling.

• Use a medical device to listen to your heart. They are looking for any abnormal heart sound (marble) that may indicate heart valve disease.

Tests that detect heart valve leakage

Doctors usually use echocardiogram (echo) to detect heart valve leakage. The echo uses high -frequency sound waves to produce images from the heart. Other tests you may need include the following:

• Blood test

• Cardiac catheterization

• chest radiography

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

• MRI heart

What is the treatment of heart valve leakage?

Therapies for heart valve failure include:

• Medications to relieve symptoms (such as liquid accumulation) and prevent or manage complications.

• Heart valve surgery to repair or replace the damaged valve. In some cases, surgeons can use low -invasive methods (with smaller cuts).

• Catter -based methods for valve replacement.

Doctors adjust the treatment based on your individual needs, including:

• The severity of your valve disease and the valve affected.

• Other heart problems that require treatment.

• Your age

• Your overall health status

Do I need treatment for a heart valve leakage?

Some cases may not require immediate treatment. Your doctor may only monitor your condition over time. Treatment may be necessary if the valve leakage:

• Impact your ability to have a happy and productive life.

• cause symptoms.

• Insert a lot of pressure on your heart.

• A threat to reducing your lifespan.

Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of the treatment options and will help you make an informed decision.

Can I prevent heart valve leakage?

You may not be able to prevent a heart valve leakage. But there are things you can do to maintain the health of your valves and hearts:

• Avoid smoking and using tobacco products. If you need, talk to your doctor about smoking strategies.

• Exercise regularly. Start slowly and reach at least 5 minutes of medium intensity exercise (such as walking) a week.

• Follow a healthy diet for the heart where sodium, sugar and saturated fat levels are low.

• Maintain a weight that is healthy for you. Ask your doctor to determine it.

• If you have infections such as stripococcal sore throat, see your doctor immediately. The doctor prescribes antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent complications such as heart damage.

• It is also important to get advice according to your medical history and unique needs. Talk to your doctor about changes in lifestyle you need to do.

What is the life of the life of a person with a heart valve leakage?

The expectation of your life depends on a variety of factors, including:

• A valve that has been affected.

• Your status severity.

• The speed of receiving treatment.

• The type of treatment you receive and how effective you are.

• Other medical conditions you have.

• Your age.

Your doctor is the best person to ask the prognosis or what you have. He knows you and your medical history better than anyone. Remember that every person is unique and the statistics you find or the stories you hear from others will not necessarily be right for you. It is possible to live a long and healthy life after detecting heart valve leakage. The key is to collaborate with your doctor to get treatment and manage your condition for a long time.

When should I see a doctor?

Go to your doctor every year and go to all your follow -up. Your doctor will give you the schedule of examinations. These meetings allow your doctor to monitor your condition and provide treatment at the right time. Contact your doctor if the following is the case:

• New symptoms.

• Symptoms that have become worse.

• Side effects of medications.

• Your questions or concerns about the status or treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions about heart valve leakage

1. When should I go to the emergency department?

If you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call the emergency department immediately. These are life -threatening conditions that require urgent medical care.

2. How common is the heart valve leakage?

Heart valve failure is very common around the world. In the United States, mitral valve failure is the most common type of heart valve disease.

3. Is the heart valve leakage dangerous?

The risk of this disease depends on the severity of the leakage and its effect on the function of the heart. In mild cases, it may not cause any problems, but in severe leaks, it can lead to heart failure, arrhythmia or other serious problems.

4. Which heart valve is more common?

Mitral valve leakage and aorta are the most common types of heart valve leakage. The mitral valve moves the blood between the atrium and the left ventricle and sends the aorta valve to the body from the heart.

5. Is the leakage of the inherited heart valve?

Some heart problems, such as congenital malformations, can be inherited. However, many cases of heart valve leakage are related to non -hereditary factors such as age, inflammatory diseases, or hypertension.

6. Can stress exacerbate heart valve leakage?

Stress can exacerbate heart symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath, but alone is not the main cause of heart valve leakage. Stress control is useful for overall heart health.

Last note

Understanding that you have a heart valve leakage may have many questions in your mind. If your doctor has found a leakage valve in a routine shooting test, you may be surprised or confused. Many people are unaware of the failure of the valve because they have no symptoms or have no problem with their daily routine. Others may have symptoms that have forced them to talk to his doctor.

No matter how you got this diagnosis, it is time to learn more about your situation and how to manage it. The leak may be low enough to need treatment. Or may you need treatment in the near future. Your doctor is with you in this way to answer your questions and make you comfortable in the treatment.

Collected:Bitote Health