Advanced Valvular Heart Disease

Advanced Valvular Heart Disease (VHD) refers to the severe dysfunction of one or more heart valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, or pulmonary), leading to significant hemodynamic compromise. It is characterized by severe stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage), impairing blood flow through the heart and causing symptoms like heart failure, arrhythmias, and reduced cardiac output. 

Advanced VHD requires timely intervention, including surgical or transcatheter valve replacement or repair.

Types of Valvular Heart Disease

1. Aortic Valve Disease

   1. Aortic Stenosis (AS) – Narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow from the heart.
   2. Aortic Regurgitation (AR) – Backflow of blood into the left ventricle due to valve leakage.

2. Mitral Valve Disease

   1. Mitral Stenosis (MS) – Obstruction of blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
   2. Mitral Regurgitation (MR) – Leakage of blood backward into the left atrium.

3. Tricuspid Valve Disease

   1. Tricuspid Stenosis (TS) and Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) – Affect blood flow between the right atrium and ventricle.

4. Pulmonary Valve Disease

   1. Pulmonary Stenosis (PS) and Pulmonary Regurgitation (PR) – Less common, affecting blood flow to the lungs.

Clinical Features of Advanced Valvular Heart Disease

• Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath): Exertional or at rest, due to heart failure.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Reduced cardiac output affects tissue perfusion.
• Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats from arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation).
• Chest Pain (Angina): Especially in aortic stenosis.
• Syncope (Fainting): Due to poor cerebral perfusion, common in severe aortic stenosis.

• Orthopnea and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea (PND): Difficulty breathing when lying down.
• Peripheral Edema: Swelling in legs and ankles.

Complications of Advanced Valvular Heart Disease

• Heart Failure: Due to chronic volume or pressure overload.
• Arrhythmias: Atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or sudden cardiac death.
• Stroke: From emboli in atrial fibrillation or infective endocarditis.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Secondary to left heart disease.
• Infective Endocarditis: Increased risk due to abnormal valve surfaces.

Treatment of Advanced Valvular Heart Disease

Medical Management

• Diuretics: For heart failure symptoms.
• Beta-blockers and ACE Inhibitors: To manage heart failure and control blood pressure.
• Anticoagulation: In cases with atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke.
• Infective Endocarditis Prophylaxis: In high-risk individuals undergoing dental or surgical procedures.

Why Should You Choose A Cardiac Surgeon At Aster Hospitals?

Our hospital provides the best cardiac surgeon, Aster Hospitals offer specialized care for advanced valvular heart disease with advanced diagnostic facilities 3D echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and cath labs. Our expert cardiology team includes cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Our team offers minimally Invasive techniques like TAVR, MitraClip, and robotic-assisted valve surgeries. A Cardiac surgeon uses advanced diagnostic tools like echocardiography to assess valve damage, determine the severity of the disease, and identify complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias. They provide personalized care, including medications to manage symptoms, prevent further valve damage, and reduce the risk of blood clots.