What are structural heart diseases in men? Listed below are some of the more common types. Coarctation of the aorta, Mitral valve stenosis, and aortic regurgitation are all examples of heart conditions that may require a doctor’s care. To learn more, read on! To learn more, get in touch with a medical provider today. If you or someone you know has structural heart disease, make an appointment to get checked.
Mitral valve regurgitation
A condition in which the mitral valve does not close properly causes blood to back up into the left atrium, or upper chamber of the heart. This causes decreased blood flow to the body, which forces the heart to work harder than normal to compensate. In severe cases, mitral regurgitation can lead to congestive heart failure. This disease may start suddenly, often after a heart attack, but it can also become chronic or long-term. Although rare, this disease can be fatal if not treated.
Treatment options for mitral valve regurgitation may include medication and a surgical procedure to replace the damaged valve. Traditional surgery involves opening the chest to access the valve, while minimally invasive techniques involve making smaller incisions in the body. Medical procedures such as the MitraClip® procedure may be recommended, or in rare cases, a combination of medical therapies. Another option is a catheter-based procedure called Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement.
During a healthy heart, blood should flow through the left ventricle in the correct direction. But, sometimes the blood flows backwards, which is the case in mitral valve regurgitation. Patients with this heart disease may experience shortness of breath and fatigue, as well as higher blood pressure and fluid buildup in the lungs. However, it’s important to see a doctor determine the severity of mitral valve regurgitation and its treatment options.
Coarctation of the aorta
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may include high blood pressure, abnormal chest pain, and weak pulses in the arms and legs. Those with severe coarctation of the aorta may also have a heart murmur or hear an abnormal whooshing sound during their heartbeat. However, the condition may be silent and a patient may not show any symptoms at all. If any of these symptoms are present, it is best to consult with a cardiologist.
The symptoms of coarctation of the aorta depend on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause. A mild obstruction may go unnoticed until the symptoms of high blood pressure or sudden heart failure develop. A doctor may use catheterization to detect the condition or may perform surgery to repair it. Fortunately, surgeons no longer need to open the heart to perform coarctation repair. Instead, they can either surgically repair the narrowed section of the aorta, or sew a patch over it.
The cause of coarctation varies from person to person, and the symptoms of coarctation of the aorta may be detected early during a newborn’s well-baby exam. The newborn may not have any symptoms at all, but doctors can diagnose the condition by using cardiac catheterization and a Doppler ultrasound. If detected, the patient will likely need surgery. A coarctation may also appear in babies and older children. This is because the symptoms of coarctation are usually less severe, and they may have more time to plan the surgery.
Mitral valve stenosis
The primary test for mitral stenosis is transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The TTE reveals the calcification and thickening of the mitral leaflets. The anterior mitral leaflet develops a characteristic “hockey stick” appearance. Other important echocardiography measurements include pressure half-time and mitral valve area. A TTE may reveal a combination of signs and symptoms.
Medications do not cure mitral stenosis but can treat symptoms for years. These medications include diuretics and blood-thinning drugs. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If the diseased valve is preventing blood flow, the surgeon can repair or replace it with a synthetic animal valve. This valve may last for fifteen or twenty years. If a patient cannot tolerate blood-thinning medications, a surgical replacement may be the best option.
Most people who develop mitral stenosis do not experience symptoms. But if the symptoms develop and a patient has high blood pressure in the lungs, the condition could progress more quickly. Delay in treatment can lead to serious problems, including heart failure. In addition to the symptoms, the disease can affect the lungs and lead to pulmonary oedema and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Lifestyle changes can ease the symptoms and prevent complications. Exercise should be done only after medical advice has been sought. The patient should avoid vigorous exercise, as it may worsen the condition.
