Valvular Heart Diseases
Definition
Valvular heart diseases are conditions that affect the heart valves, which are the structures that control blood flow between the chambers of the heart.
Types of Valvular Heart Diseases
- Stenosis: Narrowing of the valve opening, which can impede blood flow.
- Regurgitation: Backflow of blood through the valve, which can lead to increased pressure in the heart.
- Infective Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valve, which can cause inflammation and damage to the valve.
- Rheumatic Heart Disease: Damage to the heart valve caused by rheumatic fever.
Causes of Valvular Heart Diseases
- Rheumatic Fever: An autoimmune response to a streptococcal infection that can damage the heart valve.
- Bacterial Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valve caused by bacteria.
- Trauma: Injury to the heart valve caused by a physical blow to the chest.
- Congenital Heart Disease: Abnormalities in the heart valve that are present at birth.
- Aging: Wear and tear on the heart valve over time.
Pathophysiology of Valvular Heart Diseases
- Stenosis: Narrowing of the valve opening causes increased pressure in the heart, which can lead to heart failure.
- Regurgitation: Backflow of blood through the valve causes increased pressure in the heart, which can lead to heart failure.
- Infective Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valve causes inflammation and damage to the valve, which can lead to heart failure.
Clinical Features of Valvular Heart Diseases
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing caused by increased pressure in the heart.
- Chest Pain: Pain in the chest caused by increased pressure in the heart.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak caused by increased pressure in the heart.
- Swollen Legs: Swelling in the legs caused by increased pressure in the heart.
Investigations for Valvular Heart Diseases
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound of the heart to visualize the heart valve.
- Electrocardiogram: Measurement of the heart's electrical activity to detect abnormal heart rhythms.
- Cardiac Catheterization: Insertion of a catheter into the heart to measure blood pressure and flow.
Complications of Valvular Heart Diseases
- Heart Failure: Increased pressure in the heart causes the heart to fail.
- Stroke: Blood clots form in the heart and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
- Infective Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valve can lead to sepsis and death.
Management of Valvular Heart Diseases
- Medications: Medications to reduce pressure in the heart and prevent blood clots.
- Surgical Intervention: Surgery to repair or replace the heart valve.
- Dietary Changes: Dietary changes to reduce sodium and fluid intake.
Surgical Intervention for Valvular Heart Diseases
- → Preoperative preparation, including blood tests and imaging studies.
- → Anesthesia induction, including intubation and sedation.
- → Median sternotomy, an incision in the chest to access the heart.
- → Cardiopulmonary bypass, a machine that takes over the function of the heart and lungs.
- → Valve repair or replacement, using a prosthetic valve or a bioprosthetic valve.
- → Closure of the incision and removal of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine.
- → Extubation and recovery.
Role of Homoeopathy in Valvular Heart Diseases
- Arsenicum album: Indicated for symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath and fatigue.
- Digitalis purpurea: Indicated for symptoms of heart failure, including palpitations and shortness of breath.
- Veratrum album: Indicated for symptoms of heart failure, including fatigue and weakness.
- Lachesis: Indicated for symptoms of rheumatic fever, including joint pain and fever.
- Baptisia: Indicated for symptoms of infective endocarditis, including fever and chills.