Introduction
The heart has four chambers- two upper sections called the right atrium and left atrium, and two lower sections called the right ventricle and left ventricles. Parallel to four chambers, the heart has four valves- the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve. Valves are a crucial part of the heart’s structure. They open and close as the blood passes through them. They mainly regulate the entry and exit of blood into the heart’s various chambers. The valves have flaps or leaflets that open and close. Valves with three leaflets open and close simultaneously.
In order to avoid any sort of backflow of blood, the leaflets close, and vice versa is why they open. The mitral or bicuspid valve allows blood to flow smoothly from the left atrium into the left ventricle. It has two leaflets. The tricuspid valve allows blood to flow easily from the right atrium into the right ventricle. It has three leaflets. The aortic valve controls smooth blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. The pulmonary valve has the primary function of allowing smooth blood flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery. It has three leaflets.
What Are the Kinds of Heart Valve Disease?
Valvular heart disease is diagnosed when there is a disruptive change in one or more than one valves of the heart. This change brings about an overall reduction in cardiac input. Mentioned below are the various types of valvular heart diseases.
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Mitral valve stenosis.
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Mitral valve regurgitation.
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Aortic valve stenosis.
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Tricuspid valve stenosis.
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Tricuspid valve regurgitation.
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Pulmonary valve stenosis.
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Pulmonary valve regurgitation.
How Are Diseases of the Heart Valves Diagnosed?
Valvular heart disease may be diagnosed during a regular consultation with a physician after a few extra diagnostic tests. A stethoscope can pick up any abnormal heart murmurs and regurgitation sounds. To confirm the presence of valvular regurgitation or valvular stenosis, additional tests such as those mentioned below may be suggested. Physical examination and a detailed account of medical as well as drug history are vital for the diagnosis of valvular heart disease.
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Electrocardiography.
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Ultrasound of the heart.
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Complete blood picture.
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Doppler echocardiography.
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X-ray of the chest.
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Transesophageal echocardiogram.
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Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms That Suggest a Heart Valve Replacement?
Heart valve replacement is a surgical and invasive procedure that aims to correct and treat defective heart valves in order to regain the standard function of the heart. Mentioned below are a few of the signs and symptoms that may help the healthcare provider to decide on going forward with a heart valve replacement surgery after careful diagnosis and physical examination.
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Dizziness.
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Chest pain.
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Difficulty in breathing.
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Cyanosis or bluish discoloration of the skin.
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Discomfort around the waist.
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Swelling of the ankles and abdomen.
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Increased water retention.
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Rapid gain in weight.
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Lethargy.
What Are the Risks of Heart Valve Replacement Surgery?
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Excessive bleeding during the surgery or even after the surgery.
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Blood clots.
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Heart attack.
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Lung disorders.
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Infection of the blood.
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Pneumonia.
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Pancreatic disorders.
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Breathing difficulty.
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The abnormal rhythm of the heart.
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Incorrect replacement of the heart valve.
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Death.
How Does Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Take Place?
A Heart valve replacement surgery is a schedule management plan in a hospital setup. The exact procedures for the replacement of the heart valve may be different according to the condition of the patient. Mentioned below are the steps that occur during a heart valve replacement surgery. Generally, open-heart valve repair or replacement follows this process:
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IV or intravenous anesthesia is administered.
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Multiple catheters may be inserted in the wrist and neck blood vessels in order to constantly monitor blood pressure.
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Blood pressure and breathing patterns will be continuously monitored.
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The patient is connected to a ventilator via a breathing tube that is passed down into the lungs.
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A TEE or transesophageal echocardiogram is placed into the esophagus. This helps to monitor the functions of the valves.
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A Foley catheter is a flexible tube that is placed through the urinary bladder in order to drain urine.
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Another tube that passes through the nose or the mouth directly into the stomach is used to drain digestive fluids.
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An incision is made according to the nature of the surgery- a longer incision in case of an open heart valve replacement surgery or a noninvasive shorter incision surgery.
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The sternum is cut in half to expose the heart to the healthcare provider.
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The heart is stopped in order to operate on the heart valves by injecting a cold solution.
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A bypass machine of the heart, and lung is placed, which can mimic the pumping and function of the heart.
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The diseased valve is removed from the heart and an artificial valve is replaced.
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Once the surgery is complete, the heart receives a shock that helps it to start beating again.
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The bypass machine is removed and the heart functions as the standard pumping mechanism.
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The heart valve is examined for its functions and strength and to ensure there are no leakages.
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For an initial recovery, pacemakers may be introduced for a short span.
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The fluid and blood accumulated around the surgical sight are drained.
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The sternum is fixed together, and a bandage with surgical dressing is placed.
Conclusion
Heart valve replacement surgery is the correction and replacement of defective heart valves. This surgery is generally an invasive procedure. After the surgery, the patient must inform the healthcare provider about any irritation at the surgical site or any fever that persists. The healthcare provider should also address coughing of blood and nausea, and dizziness. Living a heart-healthy life is the key to a successful outlook after a heart valve replacement surgery.