Introduction to Heart Valve Disease

Source: HealthCentral.com

The normal heart valve performs an amazing mechanical function, opening and closing with each beat of the heart, about 40 million times per year for an entire lifetime. In a lifetime, that is over 2.5 billion times.

There are times when heart valves may not work properly. In children, there may be congenital defects at birth that sooner or later result in valve malfunction. Certain diseases, such as rheumatic fever, can damage the valves enough that they will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Age can also result in stiffening or deposition of calcium on the valve, which may also require repair or replacement.

Often, patients with early or mild forms of valve disease live a fairly normal life without treatment. In some cases, treatment with various types of drugs may be all that is required. When symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath or chest pain become significant enough to affect daily life, surgical treatment must be considered.

For some patients, the existing natural valve will need to be replaced by a prosthetic valve (manufactured heart valve). In other cases, surgical repair of the natural valve can be successfully performed. Your physician will explain your case and the options you have in your upcoming surgery.