WHAT ARE STRUCTURAL & VALVULAR CONDITIONS?

Structural or valvular heart conditions involve abnormalities in the heart’s chambers or valves, affecting blood flow.

Valvular heart disease (mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis, etc.)

Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart valves are abnormal, affecting blood flow. Causes include congenital defects, age-related degeneration, rheumatic disease, and infection. Valves can become narrowed (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation), commonly affecting the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valves. 

Symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, swelling, and chest discomfort. 

Diagnosis relies on echocardiography, ECG, MRI, and sometimes cardiac catheterization. 

Treatment ranges from medications for symptom management to valve repair or replacement and ongoing monitoring.

Valve repair / replacement 

This refers to surgical correction or replacement of faulty valves. Indications include severe symptomatic valve disease or left ventricular dysfunction. Mechanical or bioprosthetic valves may be used, with mechanical valves requiring lifelong anticoagulation. Cardiac rehabilitation and regular follow-up are essential.

Aortopathies 

Aortopathies are diseases affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms, dissections, or coarctation. Causes include genetic syndromes like Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos, high blood pressure, and age-related degeneration. 

Often silent until an acute event occurs, symptoms can include chest or back pain and shortness of breath.

Diagnosis is made with echocardiography, CT, MRI, or angiography. 

Management includes blood pressure control, surgical repair when high-risk, and lifestyle modification.

Congenital heart disease 

Congenital heart disease refers to structural heart defects present from birth. Causes are developmental anomalies during fetal growth. Types include septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and coarctation. 

Symptoms range from cyanosis and fatigue to breathlessness, arrhythmias, and delayed growth. 

Diagnosis is made with echocardiography, MRI, or cardiac catheterization. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, swelling, chest discomfort.

WHAT DOES TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?

Regular monitoring, medications, surgery if needed, and personalised exercise plans.