Medical Article

ลิ้นหัวใจรั่ว คืออะไร? อันตรายไหม

<h2 style="color: #00826a;">What is Heart Valve Regurgitation?</h2>
Our heart has 4 valves that control the flow of blood in one direction, preventing it from flowing backward.
&nbsp;
Heart Valve Regurgitation is a condition where the heart valve does not close completely, causing some blood to flow backward. This results in the heart working harder to pump enough blood to the body.
&nbsp;
The valves commonly found to be leaking include:
<ul>
<li>Mitral Valve Regurgitation</li>
<li>Aortic Regurgitation</li>
</ul>
If left untreated for a long time, it may cause the heart to enlarge, weaken the heart muscle, and lead to heart failure.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="color: #00826a;">Causes of Heart Valve Regurgitation</h2>
Heart valve regurgitation can be caused by various factors such as:
<ul>
<li>Age-related degeneration</li>
<li>High blood pressure</li>
<li>Weak heart muscle condition</li>
<li>Past rheumatic fever</li>
<li>Infection of the heart valve</li>
<li>Ischemic heart disease</li>
<li>Congenital abnormalities</li>
</ul>
In some cases, there may be no clear cause and it is found during annual health check-ups.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="color: #00826a;">Early Symptoms of Heart Valve Regurgitation</h2>
In the early stage, many patients may have no symptoms. As the severity increases, symptoms may include:
<ul>
<li>Unusual easy fatigue</li>
<li>Palpitations</li>
<li>Chest tightness</li>
<li>Difficulty breathing when lying flat</li>
<li>Swelling in legs and feet</li>
<li>Increased fatigue with exertion</li>
</ul>
If you have these symptoms, you should consult a doctor to evaluate heart function.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="color: #00826a;">Is Heart Valve Regurgitation Dangerous?</h2>
The danger depends on the “severity level.”
&nbsp;
▪ Mild regurgitation
<ul>
<li>Usually does not affect heart function</li>
<li>Monitor symptoms and have periodic heart check-ups</li>
</ul>
▪ Moderate to severe regurgitation
<ul>
<li>The heart works harder</li>
<li>Risk of heart enlargement</li>
<li>Risk of heart failure</li>
<li>Risk of arrhythmia</li>
</ul>
Proper detection and follow-up can greatly reduce long-term complications.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="color: #00826a;">Can Heart Valve Regurgitation be Cured?</h2>
The answer depends on the severity and cause.
<ul>
<li>Mild level → May not require treatment, just symptom monitoring</li>
<li>Moderate level → Use medication to control symptoms and reduce heart workload</li>
<li>Severe level → May need to consider “valve repair” or “valve replacement”</li>
</ul>
Doctors will assess based on symptoms, echocardiogram results, and overall patient health.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="color: #00826a;">Treatment Approach When Surgery is Necessary</h2>
In cases of severe valve regurgitation affecting heart function, the following may be considered:
&nbsp;
1) Valve Repair 
This involves fixing the existing valve to improve its function, suitable for some cases, especially the mitral valve.
&nbsp;
2) Valve Replacement 
Replacing the valve with an artificial one, which can be biological or mechanical.
The appropriate approach depends on age, physical condition, and disease severity.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="color: #00826a;">Non-Surgical Treatment for Heart Valve Regurgitation</h2>
In less severe cases, doctors may recommend:
<ul>
<li>Controlling blood pressure</li>
<li>Taking medication to reduce heart workload</li>
<li>Managing comorbidities such as diabetes and cholesterol</li>
<li>Avoiding excessive strenuous activities</li>
<li>Regular heart monitoring</li>
</ul>
Close monitoring is very important because the disease may gradually worsen without clear symptoms.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="color: #00826a;">When Should You Have Your Heart Valve Checked?</h2>
You should have a heart check if you have the following symptoms:
<ul>
<li>Unusual easy fatigue</li>
<li>Chronic palpitations</li>
<li>Chest tightness</li>
<li>Swelling in legs</li>
<li>History of rheumatic fever</li>
<li>Doctor detects a heart murmur</li>
</ul>
An echocardiogram takes about 20–40 minutes, is painless, and is the standard for diagnosing heart valve disease.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="color: #00826a;">Heart Valve Regurgitation Should Not Be Overlooked</h2>
Heart valve regurgitation may have no symptoms in the early stage, but if severe, it can lead to heart failure. Early detection and follow-up by a cardiologist can help plan appropriate treatment, reduce long-term risks, and improve patient quality of life.
&nbsp;
If you experience easy fatigue, palpitations, chest tightness, or suspect any heart abnormalities, you should consult a specialist at a heart center for evaluation and appropriate treatment planning from the early stage.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="color: #00826a;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
Q: Should I avoid exercise if I have mild heart valve regurgitation? 
A : Generally, you can exercise but should avoid very strenuous activities and consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
&nbsp;
Q: What is the difference between heart valve regurgitation and heart valve stenosis? 
A : Heart valve regurgitation is when the valve does not close completely, causing blood to flow backward. Heart valve stenosis is when the valve does not open fully, making it difficult for blood to pass through. Both are types of valve disease but have different treatment approaches.
&nbsp;
Q: Can heart valve regurgitation be left untreated? 
A : If mild, symptoms can be monitored. However, moderate to severe regurgitation left untreated may lead to heart failure.
&nbsp;
Q: How much does heart valve surgery cost? 
A : The cost depends on the type of surgery and valve used. It should be evaluated individually by the doctor and hospital.

What is a leaky heart valve? Check the initial symptoms, causes, and severity, along with treatment options. Is a leaky heart valve dangerous? Find the answers here so you can take care of your heart properly.

Services

Article

About Us

Hospital locations

What is a leaky heart valve? Is it dangerous?

Tel

Email

Services

Article

About Us

Hospital locations