What is valvular heart disease and what causes it ?

Valvular heart disease refers to conditions that affect the valves of the heart. The heart has four valves — the aortic valve, the pulmonary valve, the mitral valve, and the tricuspid valve — that regulate blood flow through the different chambers of the heart. These valves ensure that blood flows in one direction and prevents backward flow, ensuring efficient circulation.

Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of these heart valves are damaged, leading to changes in blood flow and potentially affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. There are two main types of valvular heart disease:

Valvular Stenosis: This occurs when a heart valve becomes stiff or narrowed, reducing the flow of blood through the valve. It can be caused by the buildup of calcium deposits on the valve leaflets or by congenital (birth) defects. The heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed valve, which can lead to strain on the heart.
Valvular Regurgitation (Insufficiency or Incompetence): In this condition, the valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward (regurgitate) into the previous chamber. This can result from weakened valve leaflets, damage due to infections, or other factors. Over time, this can lead to enlargement of the heart chambers and decreased pumping efficiency.

The causes of valvular heart disease can vary depending on the specific valve affected and the type of problem (stenosis or regurgitation). Some common causes include:

Congenital Defects: Some individuals are born with abnormal heart valves, which can lead to valvular heart disease later in life.
Age-related Changes: As people age, the valves can become stiffer and less flexible, leading to valvular stenosis.
Infective Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, often caused by bacteria. It can damage heart valves and lead to valvular dysfunction.
Rheumatic Fever: An inflammatory condition that can result from untreated strep throat. Rheumatic fever can damage heart valves and cause both stenosis and regurgitation.
Calcium Deposits: Over time, calcium deposits can accumulate on the valve leaflets, causing them to become stiff and less mobile.
Heart Attacks: A heart attack can damage the heart muscle and affect the functioning of the valves.
Other Heart Conditions: Conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart chambers) or connective tissue disorders can affect the valves as well.
Degenerative Changes: Wear and tear on the valves over time can lead to degenerative changes that result in valvular dysfunction.

The treatment for valvular heart disease depends on the severity of the condition and the impact it has on heart function. Mild cases might only require monitoring, while more severe cases might necessitate medication or surgical intervention to repair or replace the damaged valve. Regular medical follow-up is crucial for managing valvular heart disease and preventing complications.