What is Valvular Heart Disease?
Valvular heart disease refers to the malfunction that can occur with the valves in the heart. The heart valves are gates that are constantly opening & closing to in order to help regulate blood flow through the chambers in the heart. Their primary function is not only to help propel the blood through the heart but to also help prevent regurgitation (leakage of blood back through the valve). The human heart consists of four chambers--two upper chambers (the atria) and two lower chambers (the ventricles).
The four valves function in the following manner:
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The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It is the only valve with two flaps, or cusps.
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The tricuspid valve is located on the right side of the heart, between the right atrium and right ventricle. It is made up of three cusps, each a different size.
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The aortic valve is located on the left side of the heart and opens to allow blood to leave the heart from the left ventricle into the aorta, which is the main artery of the body. It closes to prevent blood from flowing back into the left ventricle.
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The pulmonary valve is situated on the right side of the heart, between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. It allows blood to exit the heart and enter the lungs via the pulmonary artery.It closes to prevent blood from flowing back into the right ventricle.
Problems with heart valves may occur as a result of infection,
degeneration, or congenital abnormality. The most common infections are
rheumatic fever and infective endocarditis.
Some forms of valvular heart disease seem to be hereditary. In some
cases, there may be no symptoms or there may be a gradual onset of
symptoms.
Symptoms could include:
Palpitations
Chest Pain (unrelated to coronary artery disease or a heart attack)
Difficulty breathing after exertion
Fatigue
Cough
Shortness of breath when lying flat
If you are conerned because you have any of the symptoms then it is important that you notify your physican for further testing.