Heart Valve Problems

The heart is made up of four chambers. The upper chambers are the left atrium and the right atrium, and the bottom chambers are the left and right ventricles. Blood flows from one chamber to the next and to and from the lungs and the rest of the body. The heart valves between the chambers make sure that the blood flows in the right direction with each beat, and does not backtrack. Problems with the heart valves can interfere with the heart's ability to function.

Features

• The heart has four valves. The pulmonary or pulmonic valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, which carries oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. The tricuspid valve is between the right atrium and the right ventricle, and the mitral valve is between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The aortic valve is between the left ventricle and the aorta, which carries blood to the rest of the body. The valves have flaps, or "cusps" that open and close as the heart beats.

  If a valve cannot open as far as it should, it is called "stenotic" (the condition is "stenosis"). Another problem is if a valve cannot close, and allows blood to flow backwards instead of continuing on the normal path. Some people are born with heart valve problems, while others develop them due to infectious problems, such as endocarditis or rheumatic fever, or if heart valves change with age. Sometimes a valve problem will cause a heart "murmur," which can be heard with a stethoscope. Doctors use tests, such as a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram ("EKG"), echocardiogram or angiography, to diagnose the severity of valve problems, according to the American Heart Association.

Types

• Mitral valve problems are most often related to heart disease. Mitral valve prolapse is the most common disorder of the mitral valve, while mitral valve stenosis is less common. Blood flows from the left atrium through the mitral valve and into the left ventricle. In mitral valve prolapse, the valve does not close all the way and blood can flow back into the left atrium. Symptoms include breathlessness and fatigue. If the problem is severe enough and is left untreated, the left ventricle can become enlarged and eventually lead to heart failure. In mitral valve stenosis, the left atrium can become enlarged. Symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, breathlessness and rapid, irregular heartbeat.

  Aortic valve disease is the most common form of valve disease in older people. The aortic valve has three cusps that open and close, regulating the blood flow between the left ventricle and the aorta. Aortic stenosis occurs when the valve does not properly open. Some people with aortic stenosis have no symptoms and are diagnosed because of a heart murmur. Others can have chest pain, lightheadedness and shortness of breath. Severe, untreated aortic stenosis can lead to an enlarged left ventricle and even sudden death. Aortic regurgitation can be present for many years with no symptoms, and can cause severe damage of the heart muscle.

  According to the Mayo Clinic, pulmonary valve disease is rare and usually due to a birth defect, although it can also be cause by pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, tricuspid valve disease usually occurs with other types of heart disease. Tricuspid valve stenosis is rare and can lead to heart muscle damage, stroke, irregular heartbeat or heart failure. Tricuspid valve regurgitation can be caused by pulmonary hypertension, emphysema or pulmonary stenosis, and can lead to congestive heart failure.

Treatment

• Treatment for heart valve problems varies greatly depending on the type of problem and its severity. Some mild valve problems only require monitoring, while others can be treated with medications that regulate clotting, blood pressure, fluid retention or other processes. Some forms of valve stenosis can be treated with stents or rings that open the valve more, or with balloon angioplasty. More severe heart valve problems can require surgery to repair or replace the defective valve.

Prevention/Solution

• While some people with heart valve problems have no symptoms, people who have symptoms, such as dizziness, breathlessness, heart palpitations, chest pains or fainting, should see a doctor. Regular wellness checkups can allow the doctor to detect a heart murmur when no symptoms occur. Early diagnosis and treatment of heart valve problems can help prevent further damage to the heart.

Warning

• If you suddenly develop symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or other possible heart attack symptoms, or if you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911.