Description of the Disease
Acquired heart defects are disruptions in heart function that occur due to functional and/or morphological changes in the valves (one or more).
These changes can occur in the form of insufficiency, stenosis, or their combination. Therefore, acquired heart defects are often called valve defects.
Causes of the Disease
Acquired heart defects occur as diseases that develop after birth (hypertensive disease, rheumatism, atherosclerosis, septic endocarditis, etc.).
In countries with developed economies and increasing life expectancy, degenerative defects of the aortic valve prevail. In developing countries, rheumatic etiology of mitral valve damage prevails, and patients are often relatively young.
Special attention should be paid to the presence of rheumatism from childhood, as this requires strict observation by a cardiologist for timely surgical treatment.
By the mechanism of developing valve changes, heart defects are divided into two groups:
1. Stenosis
Severe narrowing of the valve opening, which creates an obstacle to normal blood flow during valve opening, resulting in blood "beating against a closed door".
2. Insufficiency
Weak closure of the valve leaflets, leading to backflow of blood into the heart chamber.
Combined valve defects are also distinguished - damage to several valves, where stenosis and insufficiency of the valve can be combined.
Regardless of the origin and type of hemodynamic disorders (valve insufficiency or stenosis), the presence of a defect in a person leads to increased stress on the heart. If not addressed by specialists in time, such stress can lead to circulatory failure and further changes in the heart and other organs, tissues (brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, etc.).
Symptoms of the Disease
The main complaints of patients with valve defects are: sensation of shortness of breath, dyspnea, coughing with moderate or even slight physical exertion, up to dyspnea at rest, and the onset of general weakness.
In the advanced stage of the disease, swelling of the lower half of the body may occur.
When the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist as soon as possible for a complete diagnosis and elimination of the complaints.
Diagnostics of the Disease
The following examinations are prescribed for the diagnosis of valve defects:
ECG
(tests at rest and under load)
24-hour ECG monitoring
Echocardiography
Chest X-ray
Doppler ultrasound of the circulatory system
(vascular ultrasound)
Laboratory tests and tests
Based on the collected complaints, disease history, and examination data, a decision is made about further treatment.
Treatment of the Disease
Treatment of valve defects is surgical. The most effective surgery for valve defects is valve repair or reconstruction. In case of inability to correct the damaged valve, its replacement (prosthetics) is performed.
Artificial valves installed during surgery can be mechanical or biological. The former are reliable but require the patient to take blood-thinning medications regularly. Biological valves are made from compatible animal tissues and do not require the patient to take any medication in the postoperative period.
Mechanical valves are more durable compared to biological ones. The latter wear out faster, and after 10-15 years of use, they may need to be replaced, i.e., repeated surgical intervention.
In case of untimely intake of medications, failure to maintain a healthy lifestyle after heart valve surgery, there is a risk of complications such as infectious endocarditis of the heart valve. Bacteria enter the bloodstream, are carried by the blood, and attach to the heart valves. The only treatment option in this case is repeat heart valve surgery with replacement.
Our clinic pays special attention to patients with acquired heart defects. Timely diagnosis of this disease and subsequent surgical intervention allow complete cure of the patient and return to a full active life without any limitations.
Learn more about minimally invasive valve prosthetics