By Dr. Sanjay Kumar in CTVS at Paras Hospital Gurgaon, Paras Hospitals East & Patna.
Understanding Valvular Heart Disease: Types, Symptoms & Treatments
What Is Valvular Heart Disease?
Valvular heart disease (VHD) occurs when one or more heart valves fail to function properly, affecting blood flow through the heart. This condition can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue—or in some cases, remain silent until it reaches an advanced stage.
Millions worldwide suffer from heart valve disease, yet many remain unaware until complications arise. However, with early detection and advanced treatment options, serious risks like heart failure can be prevented.
What This Guide Covers:
- Types of heart valve diseases, including rare conditions
- Symptoms and risk factors to watch for
- Modern and minimally invasive treatment options
- Why early diagnosis is critical for heart health
- How expert cardiac care at Paras Hospitals can help
Seeking professional care early can make all the difference. Learn more about effective treatments and expert care at Paras Hospitals, Delhi NCR & Patna.
Types of Valvular Heart Disease
Aortic Stenosis: The Most Common Valve Disease
- Affects approximately 9 million people worldwide
- The aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the body
- More common in older adults and individuals with high cholesterol or calcium buildup
- Symptoms: Chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness
- Treatment: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) or surgical valve replacement
Mitral Regurgitation: A Leaky Mitral Valve
- Occurs when the mitral valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backwards
- Can lead to fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and swelling in the feet
- Treatment Options: Minimally invasive MitraClip procedure or surgical valve replacement
Tricuspid Valve Disease: Often Overlooked
- Tricuspid Regurgitation: Blood flows backwards into the right atrium
- Tricuspid Stenosis: Narrowing of the tricuspid valve, often caused by rheumatic fever
- Symptoms: Swelling in the legs, fluid retention, fatigue
- Treatment: Valve repair or replacement
Pulmonary Valve Disease: Rare but Serious
- Pulmonary Stenosis: Restricts blood flow to the lungs
- Pulmonary Regurgitation: Causes blood to leak back into the right ventricle
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, blue-tinted skin, fainting spells
Early diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease can help prevent severe complications like heart failure.
Rare Heart Valve Disorders You Should Know About
Quadricuspid Aortic Valve (QAV)
- A rare congenital defect where the aortic valve has four leaflets instead of the usual three
- This can lead to valve leakage and heart complications
Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
- A rare narrowing of the tricuspid valve
- Can result in right-sided heart failure
Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)
- A genetic condition where the aortic valve has only two flaps instead of three
- Increases the risk of aortic stenosis and aneurysms
Endocarditis-Induced Valve Disease
- Caused by bacterial infections that damage the heart valves
- Can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated
Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease: When to See a Doctor
Many people with early-stage heart valve disease do not experience noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
- Chest pain or pressure
- Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Swollen feet, ankles, or legs
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious complications such as heart failure. If you or a loved one experiences any of these signs, consult a heart specialist at Paras Hospitals for an early diagnosis and treatment.
Latest Treatments for Valvular Heart Disease
Thanks to medical advancements, treating heart valve disease is now safer and less invasive than ever. Depending on the severity and type of valve disease, doctors may recommend one of the following treatment options.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
- A minimally invasive procedure to replace the aortic valve
- No open-heart surgery is required, making it a great option for high-risk patients
- Especially beneficial for elderly patients or those with underlying health conditions
MitraClip Procedure
- A catheter-based procedure that clips the mitral valve to stop leakage
- Offers a much quicker recovery time compared to open-heart surgery
- Ideal for patients who cannot undergo major surgery
Balloon Valvuloplasty
- Primarily used for narrowed heart valves (stenosis)
- A small balloon is inserted and inflated to widen the valve, improving blood flow
- Although effective, the procedure may not provide a permanent solution, and further treatment could be needed
Traditional Open-Heart Surgery
- The most effective option for younger, healthier patients who need a long-term valve solution
- Although it requires a longer recovery time, it offers durable results
- Often recommended when minimally invasive options are not suitable
With so many treatment options available, early diagnosis is key to choosing the best approach. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with valvular heart disease, consult a heart specialist to explore the most effective treatment for your condition.
Preventing Heart Valve Disease
Although you may not be able to prevent heart valve disease entirely, you can significantly lower your risk by making key lifestyle changes. Here’s what you need to know:
- First and foremost, manage your blood pressure and cholesterol – Since high blood pressure can weaken heart valves over time, maintaining healthy levels through a balanced diet, exercise, and medication when necessary is essential.
- In addition, quit smoking – Smoking accelerates heart damage, increasing the risk of valve disease. The sooner you quit, the greater the benefits for your heart.
- Eat Heart-Healthy Foods – Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid excessive saturated fats, sodium, and processed foods.
- Stay Active – Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
- Treat Infections Promptly – Untreated infections like strep throat can lead to rheumatic heart disease, a major cause of valve damage. Seeking timely medical treatment can prevent complications.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have heart valve disease until it becomes severe. More than 13 per cent of individuals aged 75 and older are affected, yet many remain undiagnosed.
- Better Treatment Options – Catching the disease early increases the chances of effective, minimally invasive treatments.
- Regular Heart Check-ups Prevent Complications – Routine screenings help detect issues before they become severe.
- Echocardiograms Can Reveal Hidden Valve Problems – Advanced imaging can identify valve abnormalities even before symptoms appear.
At Paras Hospitals, we offer state-of-the-art cardiac screenings and expert care. If you are over 50 or have risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, scheduling a heart check-up today can help safeguard your health for the future.
Get Expert Heart Care at Paras Hospitals
Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. If you experience any signs of heart valve disease, early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.
- Expert cardiologists and heart surgeons
- Advanced heart valve treatments including TAVR, MitraClip, and valve replacement
- Eight hospital locations – Panchkula, Srinagar, Gurgaon, Patna, Ranchi, Darbhanga, Kanpur, and Udaipur
Call 07366098456 or book your appointment online. Your heart health matters.
Book Your Consultation Today
Why Early Check-ups Matter
Heart valve disease is more common than many people realize. Fortunately, modern treatments can often manage or even correct the condition effectively.
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or extreme fatigue, do not ignore these warning signs. Visit Paras Hospitals for a comprehensive heart check-up and expert treatment.
Call 07366098456 to book your consultation today.