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Risks of a Slow to Close Heart Valves

The human heart expands and contracts an average of 100,000 times daily to pump blood throughout the body. The heart has four chambers; each chamber has a one-directional valve. The valves have thin tissue flaps that open to let blood enter each chamber then close to prevent blood backflow. Valves impacted by infection, disease or congenital defects may fail to open or close correctly. Valve disorders may increase the heart's workload since it must work harder to pump blood throughout the body.

  1. Causes and Diagnosis

    • Rheumatic fever is a bacterial infection that can lead to tissue damage due to the body's autoimmune reaction. Endocarditis, inflammation of the endothelial membrane lining the cavities of the heart, is caused by a streptococci or staphylococci bacteria. This disease attacks the heart's inner lining (endocardium) and can precipitate microorganism growth. This distorts heart valves. Elderly patients may suffer from myxomatous or calcific degeneration which impact the integrity of valve tissue. Heart disease may injure valve tissue, and congenital abnormalities can distort valves.

      A heart murmur, the sound medical professionals hear through an instruments such as a stethoscope, may indicate a valve abnormality. Murmurs can occur as blood flows through a damaged or diseased valve or swish through a valve which did not close completely. Doctors may examine the heart structure through an echocardiography which uses ultrasound technology. Heart catheterization and angiocardography are more invasive procedures allowing for accurate diagnosis. Some patients with valve damage have minimal or no symptoms and lead normal lives.

    Congestive Heart Failure

    • Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump out the proper blood volume. Blood then backs up in the body. This leads to fluid buildup in the lungs. This hinders air and oxygen exchange while leading to diminished breathing. Symptoms include breathlessness and fluid accumulation in the legs and ankles. Fatigue, chest pains and palpitations are other signs of congestive failure. Some impacted by this condition may faint.

    Blood clots

    • Damaged valves may become coarse and impede the smooth flow of blood through the heart and body. Blood clots occur as blood encounters the damaged valve surface and then stagnates or rotates and produces sticky substances which form clots. Clots use the bloodstream to navigate throughout the body and may lodge in a blood vessel. This obstruction can diminish the blood supply to vital organs and lead to damage. Brain clots cause strokes and can lead to tissue damage, cognitive difficulties and paralysis.

    Suddern Cardiac Arrest

    • Valve disease can affect the heartbeat rate and rhythm and lead to an arrhythmia or irregular heart beat. Arrhythmias can cause sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which happens when the heart unexpectedly ceases to beat or pump. When the heart stops contracting and expanding, it derives the body and vital organs of blood and oxygen. Cardiologists must treat SCA within minutes or the victim will suffer serious brain injury or death. Rescuers may use a defibrillator to send an electrical shock to the heart to facilitate a normal heart rhythm.

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