CARDIOLOGY
HEART VALVE DEFECTS – DIAGNOSIS AND COMPREHENSIVE THERAPIES
Heart valve defects are disorders that affect the heart valves and can impair the normal blood flow in the heart. The symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the heart valve defect. However, the most common are fatigue and shortness of breath. Both symptoms can be explained by the fact that the heart has to work harder to pump the blood through the faulty valves. At the same time, shortness of breath can occur both during physical exertion and at rest, as the heart cannot pump enough oxygen into the body. A heart valve defect can also lead to palpitations or fluttering of the heart. Many patients also complain of chest pain due to the overload of the heart. Another symptom of a heart valve defect is swelling caused by water retention in the legs, ankles, or abdomen.
In order to make a diagnosis, our cardiology specialists at the ETHIANUM will examine you thoroughly. This includes a detailed medical history and a physical examination. The next step is an echocardiogram. This imaging procedure is the most important diagnostic test. It enables the specialist to assess the heart valves and the blood flow in the heart. An ultrasound examination via the food pipe (TEE) may also be necessary to better assess the heart valve defect. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may also be necessary. This examination can reveal an irregular heart rhythm or changes in the heart rhythm. Depending on which heart valve defect is suspected, additional tests such as an MRI or a cardiac catheterisation may be necessary.
Please note: The prognosis depends on the type of heart valve defect and the time of diagnosis. Heart valve defects that are recognised and treated early often have a good prognosis, while untreated severe cases can cause serious complications such as heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia. It is important to watch for symptoms and have regular medical check-ups, especially if you are at increased risk for valvular heart disease.
The treatment of heart valve defects depends on their type and severity. Regular check-ups are particularly important in order not to miss the time for interventional or surgical therapies and to avoid damage to the heart.
Heart valve defects can be treated, among others, in the following ways:
- Medication: In mild cases, medication can be prescribed to relieve symptoms and support the heart.
- Interventional procedures: For some valvular heart defects, minimally invasive procedures such as catheter-based balloon valvuloplasty or insertion of a valve-bearing stent may be considered.
- Heart valve replacement: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the affected heart valve. This can be done either through open heart surgery or minimally invasive surgery.
- Long-term monitoring: Even after successful treatment, patients with valvular heart disease need to be monitored regularly by a cardiologist to keep an eye on the condition of their heart.
