Valve disorders range form being severe, mild and moderate. They are indeed a number of valve disorders and if they are not diagnosed in time, they could lead to fainting, dizziness, shortness of breath, irregular pulse and various other complications. However, today, with advancements in medical technology, these disorders can easily be treated with the help of timely surgery, medication and other medical techniques as well.
Types of Valve Disorders
Stenosis (narrowing)
Certain diseases and even age can affect the valves and they do not open properly. This narrowing of one’s heart valves is also known as stenosis. Blood is not pumped in an adequate manner due to the narrow openings. Since the heart has to now work harder to pump out the same amount of blood, it tends to make the muscles of the heart larger and this could cause serious complications in indivduals.
Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
In this condition, the flow of blood is blocked partly or completely due to an obstruction. These obstructions can occur in the veins, valves or arteries. This condition causes the pulmonary valve to narrow, the valve that is responsible for allowing blood to flow from the right ventricle in to the heart. This makes the right ventricle work harder, and therefore may result in causing it stress or enlargement.
Prolapse
In this condition, the valve flaps do not close evenly. Instead they tend to enter into the chamber of the heart that they are actually supposed to close. This could lead to causing a clicking voice and could also make blood leak backward in to one’s valve. This condition is also known as a click murmur syndrome and Barlow’s syndrome, mitral valve collapse or floppy valve syndrome,
Regurgitation
This problem occurs when the heart valve fails to close properly. This condition is also known as valvular insufficiency. This may lead to the heart pumping inefficiently. This causes the blood to flow back when the heart contracts. This leads to causing lung problems over and above hindering the heart’s capacity to provide blood to the entire body.
Symptoms
Angina
Chest pain or angina is a common symptom of this condition. This basically indicates that the heart muscle is not getting the right amount of blood. This usually happens, because a disorder in the heart valve. Excessive fatigue could also be caused due to this.
Palpitations
Palpitations or irregular heart beats are caused because irregularities have developed within the heart’s electrical system.
Shortness of breath
This is caused due to stenosis, a narrowing condition of the heart’s valves.
Swelling
Fluid build up due to malfunctioning of the heart valve, could cause fluid to build up and lead to swollen hands, feet, wrists and ankles.
Diagnosis
Heart valve disorders are usually diagnosed based on a physical examination and symptoms mentioned. This disorder also makes a very distinctive sound of murmuring which can be heard through a stethoscope as well. Upon examination, your health care practitioner may advise you go in for one of the following tests:
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
Electrocardiogram
Cardiac Catheterization
Treatment
A number of treatments are available for this condition. However, the treatment that is prescribed for you will depend on a number of things like your general health, the condition and also your age. Some patients would just need to take some medications and make lifestyle changes, but others would have to go in for more intensive treatments that may be surgical and need valve replacement or repair.
Lifestyle changes
On being diagnosed with the condition, you will have to make some drastic lifestyle changes. You will need to work towards controlling diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol and therefore, it is necessary that you speak with a Registered Holistic Nutritionist to learn, which foods are right for you.
You should in fact also consult with a Homeopath, so that you can learn about some natural remedies that can provide you with a strong and healthy heart.
Recent Comments