Understanding Heart Valve Disease: Common Patient Questions Answered

What is Heart Valve Disease?

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of your heart's four valves don't work properly. These valves ensure blood flows in the correct direction through your heart. The main types are:

• Stenosis: Valve opening becomes narrowed
• Regurgitation: Valve doesn't close properly, causing leakage
• Prolapse: Valve leaflets bulge backward

What Are the Common Symptoms?

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Swelling in ankles and feet
• Dizziness or fainting

How is Valve Disease Diagnosed?

Your doctor may use several tests:

1. Physical Examination

   • Listening to heart sounds
   • Checking for swelling

2. Diagnostic Tests

   • Echocardiogram
   • Cardiac catheterization
   • Chest X-ray
   • Electrocardiogram (ECG)

What Are the Treatment Options?

Conservative Management

• Regular monitoring
• Medications to manage symptoms
• Lifestyle modifications

Surgical Options

• Valve repair
• Valve replacement
• Minimally invasive procedures
• TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)

Living with Valve Disease

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Regular exercise as approved by your doctor
• Heart-healthy diet
• Smoking cessation
• Stress management

Follow-up Care

• Regular medical appointments
• Medication compliance
• Monitoring symptoms
• Dental health maintenance

When to Seek Emergency Care

• Severe chest pain
• Fainting
• Severe shortness of breath
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat