Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular heart disease refers to a group of conditions affecting one or more of the heart's valves, resulting in impaired blood flow through the heart. The condition may involve valve narrowing (stenosis), leakage (regurgitation), or improper valve closure. Over time, these abnormalities can place additional strain on the heart and affect overall cardiovascular function. At Park Hospitals, advanced cardiac diagnostics, specialized valve disease programs, and comprehensive heart care services support the early diagnosis and effective management of valvular heart disease.

Common causes include age-related degeneration, rheumatic fever, congenital heart defects, infections, calcification of heart valves, and certain connective tissue disorders. The severity of disease may vary from mild abnormalities requiring monitoring to advanced conditions necessitating intervention.

Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, swelling of the legs, and reduced exercise capacity. Some individuals may remain symptom-free until the disease becomes more advanced.

If left untreated, valvular heart disease can lead to heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, and permanent heart muscle damage.

Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation along with echocardiography, ECG, chest imaging, cardiac MRI, and other specialized investigations.

Treatment depends on the affected valve and severity of dysfunction. Management may include medications, regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, catheter-based procedures, valve repair, or valve replacement surgery.

With experienced cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, advanced diagnostic technology, and comprehensive heart care services, Park Hospitals provides personalized treatment and long-term support for individuals with valvular heart disease. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can help reduce complications and improve long-term heart health.