Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart's four valves fail to open or close properly, disrupting the normal one-way flow of blood through the heart. Valves can become narrowed, a condition called stenosis, restricting blood flow, or they can become leaky, called regurgitation, allowing blood to flow backward. In India, rheumatic heart disease resulting from untreated streptococcal throat infections remains an important cause, alongside age-related degenerative valve changes seen increasingly as the population ages. Depending on which valve is affected and the severity of dysfunction, the heart may have to work harder over time, eventually leading to heart failure if left untreated. Diagnosis is made primarily through echocardiography, and treatment ranges from monitoring to valve repair or replacement surgery.

The most common symptoms include: Shortness of breath especially with exertion; fatigue; chest pain or tightness; heart murmur detected on examination. Early recognition is key to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

No, Valvular Heart Disease is not contagious. It cannot spread through casual contact. However, certain risk factors and genetic predispositions may increase susceptibility.

Treatment options include: Mild valvular disease is often managed with regular monitoring and medications to control symptoms such as diuretics and blood pressure medications. Moderate to severe disease causing significant symptoms or heart strain typically requires valve repair or replacement surgery; or in select cases a minimally invasive catheter-based valve procedure. Antibiotic prophylaxis before certain dental or surgical procedures may be recommended for patients at risk of infective endocarditis.. Treatment should always be guided by a qualified Cardiology specialist. Do not self-medicate.

While Valvular Heart Disease cannot always be fully prevented, several measures can reduce risk: Prompt treatment of streptococcal throat infections with antibiotics to prevent rheumatic fever; maintaining good dental hygiene to reduce endocarditis risk; managing blood pressure and cholesterol.

Consult a Cardiology specialist if symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen despite home care, or significantly affect your daily activities. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.