Leaky valves, also referred to as valve regurgitation, occur when one of the valves of the heart does not close properly, resulting in a backflow of blood to the heart through the leaking valve. This leakage typically occurs in the mitral valve or the aortic valve. When the valves do not open and close properly, the flow of blood throughout the body and to the heart is compromised. One side of the heart does not pump enough blood, so the other side is forced to work harder in order to compensate. This causes strain to the heart and can lead to heart disease, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Valve regurgitation tends to develop slowly and over time, so many people do not know they are affected or even experience symptoms as a result. For this reason, it is difficult to determine the actual number of people affected by this condition.
The causes of leaky valves are varied. They include:
? Congenital heart defects. In some cases, the patient is born with a heart defect that includes damage to the valves.
? Mitral valve prolapse. This is a condition in which the flaps covering the atrium and ventricle do not function properly. Valve regurgitation as a result of mitral valve prolapse is fairly rare.
? Rheumatic fever. A common cause of valve regurgitation is the presence of rheumatic fever at some point in life. This infection can affect the valve’s ability to open as well as cause scarring of the mitral flaps.
? Age. The heart’s valves will naturally deteriorate with age, which can lead to leaky valves.
? Previous heart attack or presence of heart disease. A person who has had a heart attack or who suffers from various forms of heart disease is also more at risk, as a heart attack can cause permanent damage to the valves.
When symptoms are present, they can include one, some, or all of the following:
? Fatigue. This is the most common symptom.
? Shortness of breath, particularly when lying down or during exercise
? Cough, also more likely to occur why lying down
? Heart palpitations or an irregular or rapid heartbeat
? Swollen feet or ankles
In many cases, leaky valves are easily repaired if they are even noticed. If left untreated, however, they can lead to heart failure and heart arrhythmias.
When determining whether or not a person has leaky valves, the doctor will perform a variety of tests and screenings. First, he or she will most likely listen to the heart with a stethoscope. If a leaky valve is present, the sound of blood leaking back through the valve will be distinguishable. The patient may also undergo a series of other tests, include an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart. This is the most effective form of diagnosing leaky valve and allows the doctor to get a close and detailed view of the heart and valves.
Another test that may be performed is a chest x-ray. Heart enlargement and lungs congested with blood, which sometimes occurs as a result of a leaky valve, will be visible on the x-ray.
The doctor may also order an electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical impulses the heart emits. This is effective in determining cardiac arrhythmia and the presence of an enlarged heart.
Treatment for leaky valves can range from nothing but occasional observance to make sure blood is not congesting and the heart is not enlarging to medication to surgery. Medication cannot “cure” a leaky valve, but it can alleviate symptoms such as swollen limbs resulting from water retention and high blood pressure, a side effect of leaky valves. In severe cases, open heart surgery will be performed to repair or replace the faulty valve.