What Happens If the Valves of the Heart Do Not Function Properly?

Oxygen is the life-giving element that helps the human body work efficiently; blood is the carrier through which oxygen is delivered to various parts of the body. The heart and the pair of lungs work in tandem to transport oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body; the de-oxygenated blood is sent to the lungs for purification. These 2 cycles of blood-flow are happening constantly and are regulated by 4 valves present in the 4 chambers of the heart. The 4 chambers are – right and left atrium at the top, and right and left ventricle at the bottom.

Deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body is brought to the right atrium. The right atrium contracts to push this blood into the right ventricle, with the flow being regulated by the tricuspid valve. The right ventricle then contracts to push this blood in to the pulmonary artery which carries the blood to the lungs for purification. This flow is regulated by the pulmonary valve.

The oxygenated blood coming from the lungs is delivered to the left atrium. The left atrium then contracts to push this blood into the left ventricle, with the flow being regulated by the mitral valve. The left ventricle then contracts to push the blood into the aorta from where it’s carried to the rest of the body. This flow is regulated by the aortic valve.

The 4 valves open and close to ensure blood always flows in the forward direction and does not recede back. A valve is made up of flaps or cusps which cover the opening and open or shut as required. When this process, or functioning of the valves, is affected, blood is not transported adequately, or in time, and the condition is called valvular heart disease.

Types of Valvular Heart Disease

Heart doctors have divided valvular heart disease into five types –

• Stenosis: Here, the leaflets of the valve become stiff or fused; as a result, the valve doesn’t open fully so blood flow is affected. The heart now works harder to push more blood to overcome the problem. Stenosis can affect any of the 4 valves.
• Regurgitation: Here, the leaflets do not close tightly or do not seal, so some blood flows backward. Again, the heart has to work harder to overcome the leak. Also called insufficiency, incompetence or leaky valve.
• Endocarditis: Bacteria that enter the blood during a dental procedure, surgery, IV drug use or infection, can attack the valves causing holes, scarring or growth in them.
• Mitral Valve Prolapse: Here, the tissues of the mitral valve become stretchy and the leaflets tend to flop back into the left atrium when the heart contracts. Here again, the heart has to work harder to overcome the leak.
• Congenital Vs Acquired: While any of the above conditions can be acquired over time, there are some valve defects that are congenital or present since birth. Some of them are:
  • Atresia, in which case the valve isn’t formed properly and a solid tissue blocks the opening between the chambers.
  • The pulmonary and aortic valves may be of the wrong size, may have leaflets that are improperly formed, or the leaflets may not be attached to their base properly.
  • Bicuspid aortic valve disease: Here, instead of having 3 leaflets, the aortic valve has only 2; as a result, the valve doesn’t open or shut properly or is leaky.

Causes

According to cardiovascular surgeons, valvular conditions can arise after any of these: rheumatic fever (a bacterial infection), high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysms, heart attack, connective tissue disease, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), syphilis (a sexually transmitted disease), certain tumours, certain drugs and radiation for cancer treatment.

Risk Factors

Most of the risk factors for heart disease in general are also risk factors for valvular disease. These include a history of heart attack, heart ailments, congenital heart defects, high BP, high cholesterol, diabetes and old age.

Complications

Valvular heart disease that is left untreated or undiagnosed can result in a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, blood clots, arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and death too.

Symptoms

Depending on the exact nature of the valvular condition, the patient may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• A whooshing or a murmuring sound in the heart, heard through a stethoscope
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath after some activity or while lying down
• Edema or swelling of the ankles, feet and abdomen
• Dizziness and/or fainting
• Pressure or a weighted feeling in the chest after some activity or when going out in cold air
• Palpitations, rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, skipped beats or a flip-flop feeling in the chest
• Rapid weight gain of two or three pounds in a day

Diagnosing and Treating Valvular Heart Disease

If you suffer any of the above symptoms, consult a reputed hospital such as Kauvery Hospital. The heart specialists at the hospital will prescribe a series of tests to assess the type and extent of the valvular disease. Once diagnosed as positive for valvular disease, the doctor will recommend medication, incisive surgery or minimally invasive options as relevant to your case. Not just in Chennai, Kauvery Hospital also has branches in Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Trichy, ensuring quality healthcare is accessible in different locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the valves of the heart do not function properly?

When heart valves don’t function properly, blood flow is disrupted, leading to valvular heart disease. This condition can cause the heart to work harder, potentially leading to complications like heart failure or stroke.

What are the types of valvular heart disease?

• Stenosis: Valve stiffens or fuses, restricting blood flow.
• Regurgitation: Valve leaks, causing backward blood flow.
• Endocarditis: Infection damages the valve.
• Mitral Valve Prolapse: Valve tissue becomes stretchy and leaks.
• Congenital Defects: Present from birth, including atresia and bicuspid aortic valve.

What causes valvular heart disease?

Causes include rheumatic fever, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, connective tissue diseases, certain infections, and congenital defects.

What are the risk factors for valvular heart disease?

Risk factors include a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, congenital heart defects, and old age.

What are the symptoms of valvular heart disease?

Symptoms can include heart murmurs, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in ankles/feet, dizziness, chest pressure, palpitations, and rapid weight gain.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801