The heart's valves must remain healthy and upright to promote an overall healthy heart and cardiovascular system. However, sometimes, they can weaken. Fortunately, various valvular disease treatment are available to address damage. Whether valves begin to narrow or leak, timely treatment is necessary.
There are two main types of heart valve disease: regurgitation and stenosis. The former refers to one or multiple valves not closing completely, causing blood to flow backward instead of in its proper motion—forward. When the forward motion of the blood is prohibited, it can lead to a backup in the heart, overloading it. The latter refers to one or multiple valves becoming narrow, restricting the blood flow out of the ventricles or atria. This restriction leads to the heart forcing itself to work harder to move blood through the narrow paths. Both types can co-exist. Regardless, it is crucial for patients to receive timely valvular disease treatment, as damaged valves can lead to heart failure.
When consulting a cardiologist regarding suspicions of valve disease or heart disease, they will perform an in-depth evaluation of the patient's heart, physical health, and medical history. Therefore, we ask that patients prepare to fill out forms regarding medication and supplement use and their personal and familial medical history at the top of the appointment. The latter, more so, pertains to heart conditions. It may be easier for patients to create a list of mentioned information to bring to their appointment.
Next, the cardiologist may perform one or more of the following tests:
The cardiologist inserts a catheter into the patient's arm or leg, accessing the artery that leads to the heart. This test provides a better image of the heart valves to help determine the type and extent of damage the valves have received.
X-rays are a special imaging technology that provides a picture of the internal structures of a specific area of the body. In this case, it is the chest. The cardiologist will see the tissue, bones, organs, and specific areas of the heart.
The cardiologist will use echo soundwaves to produce an image of the heart on a monitor as a small wand-like device, called an ultrasound transducer, moves over the chest.
The cardiologist will record electrical activity in the heart. They will be able to see abnormal heart rhythms and possibly muscle damage.
Please note that this test is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with alloys, metals, or titanium in their bodies. It uses magnetic fields, radiofrequency, and imaging technology to give the cardiologist detailed images of the heart and surrounding structures.
The cardiologist will use an ultrasound transducer to see the heart's chambers. However, instead of moving over the chest, they insert the wand into the esophagus for an unobstructed view.
Valvular disease treatment will depend on the type and extent of the damage. The cardiologist will consider one or multiple of the following interventions:
Beta-blockers, digoxins, and calcium channel blockers prevent the heart from producing abnormal rhythms and control the heart rate. The cardiologist may also recommend blood pressure medication to remove excess water or relax the blood vessels, decreasing the effort the heart needs to pump blood.
Valve repair is a surgical method that may include inserting a prosthetic valve or rings to help narrow a leaking valve. It can also mean remodeling the existing valve's tissue to work properly.
Another surgical method, valve replacement, is for those whose valve is severely damaged or destroyed. The cardiologist will replace it with a human or animal donor valve.
A non-surgical procedure involves pushing a catheter shaped like a hollow tube into the groin. The catheter moves through the blood vessels and arteries until it reaches the heart valves. The balloon attached to the end of the catheter inflates and widens the arteries and valves to improve blood flow.
Valvular disease treatment is available in the Delray Beach area. Remember, timing is of the essence concerning matters of the heart. Therefore, if you have been experiencing alarming symptoms or are under suspicion of valve disease or heart disease, contact our office today.
Request an appointment here: https://floridapremiercardio.com or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 325-6495 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.
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