Matters of The Heart: Cardiovascular Diseases
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What impact does valvular diseases have on the heart?

Valvular diseases are conditions that affect the valves of the heart, impairing their proper functioning. The heart has four valves—mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve—that regulate the flow of blood through the chambers. When these valves become diseased or damaged, it can disrupt the normal blood flow, leading to various symptoms and complications.


Here is an overview of valvular diseases and their impact on the heart:


Mitral Valve Disease. Mitral valve disease involves the mitral valve, which is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It can manifest as:


  • Mitral Valve Regurgitation. The valve fails to close tightly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This puts an extra burden on the heart, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.


  • Mitral Valve Stenosis. The valve becomes narrowed, obstructing blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This can result in symptoms like fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath.


Aortic Valve Disease. Aortic valve disease affects the aortic valve, which regulates blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and the rest of the body. It can present as:


  • Aortic Valve Regurgitation. The valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle during diastole. This can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.


  • Aortic Valve Stenosis. The valve becomes narrowed, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. This can result in symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, fainting, and difficulty exercising.


Tricuspid Valve Disease. Tricuspid valve disease affects the tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It can lead to:


  • Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation. The valve fails to close tightly, causing blood to flow back into the right atrium during ventricular contraction. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, fluid retention, and abdominal swelling.


Pulmonary Valve Disease. Pulmonary valve disease involves the pulmonary valve, situated between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It can manifest as:


  • Pulmonary Valve Regurgitation. The valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow back into the right ventricle during diastole. This may lead to symptoms like fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath.


  • Pulmonary Valve Stenosis. The valve becomes narrowed, impeding blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. This can result in symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and fainting.


Valvular diseases can place strain on the heart, causing it to work harder to compensate for the impaired valve function. Over time, this can lead to complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and enlargement of the heart chambers. Timely diagnosis, appropriate management, and, in some cases, valve repair or replacement procedures are crucial to mitigate the impact of valvular diseases on the heart and improve overall cardiovascular health.