Valvular heart disease : Medical & surgical treatment in Turkey 2024

Development of heart valve disease

Heart valves are essential structures in the heart that regulate blood flow between the different chambers. They open and close in synchrony to allow blood to flow in the right direction.

Any malfunction of these valves, whether due to a structural or functional problem, can lead to heart valve disease and disrupt the proper functioning of the heart.

Heart valve disease is often a progressive condition and usually progresses slowly. However, it requires regular medical monitoring to detect any deterioration at an early stage.

Echocardiography, an ultrasound examination of the heart, is the gold standard for assessing heart function and monitoring disease progression. Depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's symptoms, surgery to replace or repair the damaged valve may be considered.

Symptoms of heart valve disease

Heart valve disease is often insidious, sometimes developing without obvious symptoms, even at an advanced stage. Only a thorough medical examination, including auscultation and echocardiography, can detect it early.

When it becomes symptomatic, the main signs that may manifest include:

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, either during exercise or at rest.
• Angina: Chest pain or discomfort, often triggered by exertion.
• Syncope: Brief loss of consciousness.
• Palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeat.
• Fatigue: Persistent weakness.
• Edema: Swelling of the lower legs or abdomen.
• Heart failure.

The severity of symptoms does not always reflect the severity of the disease. Mild valvulopathy can cause significant symptoms, while a more advanced form may be relatively asymptomatic. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to preserve heart function and improve quality of life.

Valvular heart disease: What causes it?

Heart valve disease affects thousands of people worldwide each year.

Causes of heart valve disease include:

• Congenital causes: In some cases, a person is born with a malformation of the heart valves.
• Age-related wear and tear: Repeated opening and closing of the valves over a lifetime can lead to their natural wear and tear, resulting in heart valve disease. Rheumatic fever.
• Concomitant heart disease: Conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and cardiomyopathies can damage heart valves and promote the development of valvulopathy.
• Infections: Certain infections, especially rheumatic fever and endocarditis, can scar the heart valves and make them more vulnerable. Endocarditis, in particular, can lead to recurrent infections.

Effects of heart valve disease

Regardless of the cause of heart valve disease, the resulting damage can lead to two types of problems: stenosis and valvular insufficiency.

In aortic stenosis, the opening of the heart valve narrows, making it harder for blood to pass through.

Conversely, in valvular regurgitation, the valve does not close completely, allowing blood to flow back into the original chamber of the heart.

The impact of valvular heart disease on the heart depends on several factors, including the valve involved, the type of dysfunction (stenosis or insufficiency),and the severity of the condition.

Heart valve disease treatment in Turkey

Heart valve disease can be effectively treated in Turkey with an appropriate treatment plan. First, a healthy lifestyle can prevent symptoms from getting worse. Second, medications can be used to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Finally, in the most severe cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace the defective heart valve.

In short, understanding and treating heart valve disease is an essential aspect of maintaining heart health, because a healthy heart is at the heart of overall well-being.

Heart valve disease : Medical & surgical solutions in Turkey

Do you suffer from heart valve disease? Choose the medical and surgical solutions that are right for you.

Medical therapy

First-line treatment to control and relieve symptoms and slow disease progression.

Medical therapy is tailored to each patient and can be adjusted as the disease progresses.

Valve repair

Valve repair restores the function of the natural valve and is a permanent solution in many cases. This approach generally targets the valve leaflets, which are responsible for opening and closing to help blood flow through the heart.

Valve repair is performed either minimally invasively or through open-heart surgery. Minimally invasive techniques mean shorter hospital stays and recovery times.

Valve replacement

If valve repair is not an option, replacement of the damaged heart valve may be a more proven solution.

In this surgical procedure, the defective heart valve is replaced with a prosthesis.