valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease is any cardiovascular disease process involving one or more of the four valves of the heart (the aortic and bicuspid valves on the left side of heart and the pulmonary and tricuspid valves on the right side of heart). These conditions occur largely as a consequence of aging, but may also be the result of congenital (inborn) abnormalities or specific disease or physiologic processes including rheumatic heart disease and pregnancy.Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipoproteinemia and uremia may speed up the process.ChronicChronicSymptoms increase with exercise and pregnancySigns increase with exercise and pregnancyIn acute cases, the murmur and tachycardia may be only distinctive signs.No therapy is required for asymptomatic patients. Diuretics for any pulmonary congestion or edema. If stenosis is severe, surgery is recommended. Any atrial fibrillation is treated accordingly.No treatment in asymptomatic patients.Also, endocarditis prophylaxis is indicated before dental, gastrointestinal or genitourinary procedures. Valvular heart disease is any cardiovascular disease process involving one or more of the four valves of the heart (the aortic and bicuspid valves on the left side of heart and the pulmonary and tricuspid valves on the right side of heart). These conditions occur largely as a consequence of aging, but may also be the result of congenital (inborn) abnormalities or specific disease or physiologic processes including rheumatic heart disease and pregnancy. Anatomically, the valves are part of the dense connective tissue of the heart known as the cardiac skeleton and are responsible for the regulation of blood flow through the heart and great vessels. Valve failure or dysfunction can result in diminished heart functionality, though the particular consequences are dependent on the type and severity of valvular disease. Treatment of damaged valves may involve medication alone, but often involves surgical valve repair (valvuloplasty) or replacement (insertion of an artificial heart valve).