What is Heart Valve Regurgitation?
Heart Valve Regurgitation is a condition caused by abnormalities of the heart valve that prevent it from closing properly. This causes blood to flow backward, making the heart work harder to pump enough blood. People with heart valve regurgitation cannot live their daily lives to the fullest because it causes easy fatigue. In some cases, it can lead to death due to heart failure.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Luangtaweeboon, a specialist in thoracic, vascular, and cardiac surgery at Phyathai 1 Hospital, explains about heart valve regurgitation as follows:
Causes of Heart Valve Regurgitation
The main causes come from congenital heart defects, such as abnormal heart valve structures, or from diseases such as coronary artery disease, which can cause the heart valve to malfunction.
Common Symptoms of Heart Valve Regurgitation
- Chest pain
- Dizziness, fainting
- Easy fatigue, difficulty breathing with exertion
- Fatigue, shortness of breath, inability to lie flat
- Cough with blood-tinged sputum
- Swollen feet, swollen legs with pitting edema, ascites
We can observe these symptoms and abnormalities. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Heart Valve Regurgitation
Currently, heart valve regurgitation can be diagnosed by echocardiogram, which uses high-frequency sound waves. This device sends high-frequency sound waves and simulates images of the heart. This method helps doctors see abnormalities in the heart valve. If a patient is diagnosed with heart valve regurgitation, treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms as follows:
- For patients with mild symptoms, doctors will treat with diuretics to help improve heart function.
- For patients with severe symptoms, doctors will use surgical treatment as follows:
- Valve Repair Surgery is performed to repair the abnormal heart valve to restore its function, which can only be done in some cases.
- Valve Replacement Surgery is performed if the heart valve cannot be restored to normal function. There are two types:
- Mechanical valves which last a lifetime but require lifelong anticoagulant medication such as Warfarin to prevent blood clotting.
- Tissue valves which last up to 15 years and are suitable for patients over 70 years old.
The key to treatment, whether valve repair or replacement, is the readiness of technology, equipment, as well as the experience and expertise of the surgeon to provide the best care for the patient.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Luangtaweeboon
Specialist in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Heart Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital
