**Types of heart valve problems** The human heart acts like a precise pump, which requires perfect coordination between muscles and valves to function properly. Valves act like doors that open and close the blood flow path so that the blood always moves in the right direction. Any dysfunction of these valves can disturb the blood flow and ultimately threaten the health of the whole body. The human heart has 4 main valves, whose task is to guide and control the blood flow between the cavities of the heart and the main vessels. These valves include: - **mitral valve** (between the left atrium and the left ventricle) - **aortic valve** (between the left ventricle and the aorta) - **tricuspid valve** (between right atrium and right ventricle) - **pulmonary valve** (between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery) **If any of these valves don't open or close properly, they can cause serious problems with the heart's function.** ### Classification based on the location of the damaged valve For a better understanding of diseases, it is important to know that valve problems are divided into four groups depending on where the valve is disturbed: 1. **Mitral valve problems:** The most common ones are **prolapse** and **heart failure**. 2. **Aortic valve problems:** It is usually seen in the elderly or those with congenital diseases. 3. **Tricuspid valve problems:** It is mostly caused by the enlargement of the right ventricle or **right heart failure**. 4. **Pulmonary valve problems:** It is often congenital, but it is also seen in patients with high pulmonary artery pressure. Most **valvular diseases** can be controlled or even completely cured if diagnosed and treated in time. Regular follow-up with echocardiography, correct use of drugs, and continuous consultation with a cardiologist are very important points in controlling these diseases. ### When should we see a doctor? If any of the following symptoms are repeated continuously, a cardiologist should be consulted: Shortness of breath during activity or rest - **Irregular or fast heartbeat** - Abnormal fatigue - Chest pain - Swelling of the legs or abdomen - Dizziness or syncope (sudden fainting) ### Suitable lifestyle for valvular patients - **Regular and light exercise** under the supervision of a doctor - **low-salt and low-fat diet** - **avoid smoking** - **control of blood pressure and diabetes** - **Taking care of the teeth** to prevent bacteria from entering the blood (**Preventing endocarditis**) ### **Valvular narrowness (Stenosis)** In this case, the valve does not open properly and blood flow is difficult to pass through it. Causes of valvular stenosis - **Rheumatic fever** - Calcification (deposition of calcium in old age) - Congenital diseases **Examples:** - **Mitral valve stenosis**: hardening of the valve between the atrium and the left ventricle - **Aortic valve stenosis**: hardening of the valve between the left ventricle and the aorta **symptoms of valvular stenosis** - shortness of breath - Dizziness - Chest pain - Extreme fatigue ### **Valvular insufficiency (Regurgitation / Insufficiency)** In this case, the valve doesn't close properly, causing some blood to leak back. **Reasons:** - Valvular injuries - Enlargement of the heart - Valve infections - Connective tissue disorders **Examples:** - **mitral valve failure** - **aortic valve failure** - **tricuspid valve failure** **Symptoms:** - Heart palpitations - shortness of breath - Fatigue - Swelling of legs and abdomen ### **Mitral Valve Prolapse** A special type of mitral valve disorder is where the valve leaflets move back into the atrium instead of closing flat. **Reason:** - Hereditary or connective tissue abnormalities - It is often common in women and young people **Symptoms:** - Chest pain - Anxiety - **Irregular heartbeat** - Sometimes without symptoms ### **Valve Calcification** As people age, calcium deposits on the valves and makes them hard. **The most common type:** **Aortic valve calcification** (in people over 65 years old) **Symptoms:** - shortness of breath - Fatigue - Abnormal heart sound during the doctor's examination ### **endocarditis (heart valve infection)** An infection that affects the heart valves and can be dangerous and fatal. **Reason:** - Entering bacteria into the blood through dentistry, surgery, or wounds - More in people with underlying valve disease **Symptoms:** - Fever - Trembling - Fatigue - Joint pain - New sounds in the heart ### **congenital valvular diseases** Some people are born with valve problems, such as: - **Bicuspid Aortic Valve**: usually it should have three valves, but it only has two valves, which deteriorates faster. - **Incomplete or perforated valves** **Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the disease and may appear in childhood or adulthood.** **Ways to diagnose valve problems** - **listening to the sound of the heart with a stethoscope (heart murmur)** - **Echocardiography (sonography of the heart)** - **heart tape (ECG)** **Cardiac MRI or CT scan in special cases** - **Cardiac catheterization (angiography)** **Treatment of valvular problems** **Treatment depends on the type and severity of the problem:** - Medications to regulate blood pressure, heart rate, or anticoagulants - Lifestyle modification (quit smoking, exercise, lose weight) - In severe cases: - **valve repair** (with surgery or through a catheter) - **valve replacement** (with artificial or biological valve) **Valvular problems of the heart** can have a wide range of symptoms and severity. Early recognition of the symptoms, timely visit to the doctor, regular follow-up and adherence to a healthy lifestyle can greatly help control and treat these diseases. Dr. Marvarid Dadres, **specialist in cardiology and echocardiography in Tehran** is ready to provide medical services to cardiovascular patients.