4. Valvular Heart Diseases – When the Heart’s Gates Malfunction
Valvular heart diseases involve damage to or defects in one of the four heart valves: the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary. These valves act as gatekeepers, ensuring blood flows in the right direction. When these gates don’t function properly, the heart’s efficiency is compromised, potentially leading to left-sided heart failure.
In conditions like stenosis (narrowing of the valves) or regurgitation (leaking of the valves), the heart has to work extra hard to pump blood. Over time, this extra work can strain and weaken the heart, paving the way for left-sided heart failure. Additionally, valvular diseases can result in fluid buildup in the lungs, a direct consequence of left-sided heart failure.
Treatment for valvular heart diseases hinges on the specific valve affected and the type and severity of the valve disease. Medications can be used to manage symptoms, while surgical and minimally invasive procedures can repair or replace the malfunctioning valve. By controlling these diseases, we can reduce the risk of developing left-sided heart failure. (4)
