HEART VALVE DISORDERS

PRERNA FOR IAS

HEART VALVE DISORDERS

1. Heart Valve Disorders (Definition)

Heart valve disorders occur when one or more of the heart's four valves fail to open or close properly, disrupting the normal flow of blood through the heart. The four valves—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary—ensure that blood moves in one direction. When these valves become narrowed, leaky, or weakened, the heart must work harder to pump blood efficiently. Heart valve disorders may be present at birth or develop later due to aging, infections, or other heart diseases. If left untreated, severe valve disease can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and reduced quality of life.

2. Four Heart Valves

The human heart contains four valves that regulate one-way blood flow. The mitral valve lies between the left atrium and left ventricle, while the aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. The tricuspid valve separates the right atrium from the right ventricle, and the pulmonary valve lies between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. These valves open during blood flow and close afterward to prevent backward movement of blood. Healthy heart valves ensure efficient circulation and proper oxygen delivery to the body. Damage to any valve can significantly affect heart function.

3. Stenosis

Valve stenosis is a condition in which a heart valve becomes narrowed or stiff, restricting blood flow through the valve. The heart must generate greater pressure to pump blood across the narrowed opening, increasing the workload on the affected chamber. Common causes include aging-related calcium deposits, congenital valve abnormalities, and rheumatic fever. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. Severe stenosis can eventually lead to heart failure if untreated. Diagnosis is mainly made by echocardiography, and treatment ranges from medications to balloon valvuloplasty or surgical valve replacement, depending on severity.

4. Regurgitation (Valve Insufficiency)

Valve regurgitation, also called valve insufficiency, occurs when a heart valve does not close completely, allowing blood to leak backward instead of moving forward. This backward flow forces the heart to pump extra blood, increasing its workload and eventually weakening the heart muscle. Regurgitation may result from valve damage, infection, rheumatic fever, congenital defects, or degeneration with age. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, and swelling of the legs. Mild regurgitation may require only regular monitoring, while severe cases often need medications, valve repair, or valve replacement surgery to restore normal circulation.