Heart valve repair or replacement is a necessary surgical treatment for treating a variety of heart valve problems, which can have a substantial influence on an individual’s quality of life. As a practicing cardiologist in Singapore, my goal is to provide a full review of these operations, including their benefits and what patients can expect. This article will also answer common questions concerning heart valve repair or replacement in Singapore, assisting patients in understanding their options and preparing them for prospective treatments.

Understanding Heart Valve Disorders

The heart has four main valves: the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary. These valves are critical in ensuring that blood flows in the proper direction through the heart’s chambers and out into the rest of the body. Heart valve diseases occur when one or more of these valves fail to function properly, resulting in situations such as stenosis (valve constriction) or regurgitation (blood leakage backward). If not properly addressed, these defects might cause serious health problems.

Common Heart Valve Disorders

• Aortic Stenosis: Occurs when the aortic valve narrows, limiting blood flow from the heart to the body. This might result in symptoms such as weariness, chest pain, and shortness of breath, especially during exercise.
• Mitral Regurgitation: Occurs when the mitral valve fails to shut properly, allowing blood to seep backward into the left atrium. If not addressed, this might cause cardiac enlargement and other issues.
• Mitral Stenosis: The mitral valve narrows, limiting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This can cause fluid buildup and pressure in the lungs.
• Aortic Regurgitation: occurs when the aortic valve fails not seal properly, enabling blood to flow backward into the left ventricle. Over time, this might strain the heart and cause it to fail.
• Tricuspid Regurgitation: A condition in which the tricuspid valve leaks, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium. It is commonly caused by right ventricular hypertrophy or other underlying heart problems.
• Pulmonary Stenosis: The pulmonary valve narrows, limiting blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. This can increase pressure on the right side of the heart.

For patients who need intervention for these issues, heart valve repair or replacement in Singapore is performed utilizing cutting-edge surgical procedures targeted at restoring normal valve function and improving patient outcomes. These treatments are critical for treating symptoms, improving quality of life, and extending longevity for patients with severe valve damage. Patients undergoing heart valve repair or replacement in Singapore can anticipate high-quality care from expert cardiac surgeons and innovative medical technology.

Causes and Symptoms of Heart Valve Disorders

Heart valve diseases can have a range of causes and symptoms, all of which have a substantial influence on an individual’s quality of life. Understanding the causes and symptoms of these illnesses is critical, especially for those looking into heart valve surgery or replacement in Singapore.

Causes Of Heart Valve Disorders

Heart valve abnormalities can be congenital (existing at birth) or acquired as a result of a variety of illnesses, each of which affects the valves differently:

• Rheumatic Fever: A consequence of untreated strep throat that can cause long-term damage to the heart valves, leaving them rigid and scarred.
• Endocarditis: An infection of the inner lining of the heart that can spread to the valves. This infection may cause the valves to enlarge and degrade.
• Calcification: As a natural part of aging, calcium deposits can accumulate on the heart valves, causing stiffening and diminished movement, affecting their function.
• Heart Attack: A heart attack can cause damage to the muscles that support the heart valves as well as the valves themselves, affecting their function.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Genetic diseases such as Marfan syndrome can affect the construction and function of cardiac valves.

Symptoms of Heart Valve Disorder

The symptoms of heart valve diseases vary in severity, but commonly include:

• Shortness of Breath: This symptom, which is most common during physical activity or when lying flat, arises when the heart fails to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to back up into the lungs.
• Fatigue: Patients frequently report feeling especially weary or weak as the heart tries to supply enough blood to the body’s tissues.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the heart, particularly when the aortic valve is damaged.
• Palpitations: Irregular or fast heartbeats that occur as the heart compensates for its inefficiency.
• Swelling: Fluid retention in the legs, ankles, or abdomen is typical as the disease advances and the heart’s pumping function declines.
• Dizziness or Fainting: These symptoms may result from a reduction in blood supply to the brain caused by the heart’s diminished pumping function.

Diagnosing Heart Valve Disorders

Diagnosing heart valve diseases is a multifaceted process that includes reviewing the patient’s medical history, doing physical exams, and administering a battery of diagnostic testing. In Singapore, where advanced medical equipment is easily available, the process of diagnosing and then repairing or replacing heart valves is carried out with precision and care. Here’s a detailed look at the main steps in diagnosing heart valve disorders:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will first evaluate your symptoms, as well as your personal and family medical history, with a focus on any history of heart disease. During the physical examination, the doctor will listen to your heart for murmurs, which may indicate valve abnormalities. This initial assessment serves as a reference for subsequent diagnostic tests.
• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is a critical diagnostic technique that employs ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart, allowing for a close evaluation of its structure and valve function. The echocardiography can reveal how blood flows through the heart and valves, which can assist spot any problems.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Examines the electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect irregular heart rhythms, which can occasionally be linked to underlying valve disorders.
• Chest X-ray: This imaging examination shows the size and structure of the heart, as well as any fluid buildup in the lungs, which could be caused by reduced heart function owing to valve abnormalities.
• Cardiac MRI: A cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create thorough images of the heart and its valves, providing detailed insights that are critical for correct diagnosis and planning for prospective heart valve repair or replacement in Singapore.
• Cardiac Catheterization: This treatment involves inserting a catheter into a major blood artery and guiding it to the heart. A contrast dye is subsequently injected, and X-ray images are taken to show the heart chambers and valves in action. This test gives useful information regarding the severity and specific features of the valve condition.

Each of these diagnostic stages is critical for correctly recognizing and diagnosing heart valve problems. Understanding these procedures can help Singaporean patients plan for prospective treatments, such as heart valve repair or replacement. The diagnostic process is extensive, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan that efficiently treats their unique ailment, taking advantage of Singapore’s sophisticated medical capabilities.

Treatment Options: Heart Valve Repair or Replacement

Patients in Singapore have access to modern treatment options for heart valve diseases, such as repair or replacement. The type and degree of the valve illness, the specific valve affected, and the patient’s overall health and age all play a role in determining whether to repair or replace the valve.

Heart Valve Repair

Heart valve repair is frequently recommended when possible because it allows patients to keep their own heart tissue, which can result in greater valve performance and decreased risk of problems. In Singapore, techniques for heart valve repair include:

• Annuloplasty: A surgery that involves mending or reinforcing the valve annulus (valve ring) to guarantee a tight closure. This is often accomplished by implanting an annuloplasty ring, which provides structural support for the reconstructed valve.
• Valvuloplasty: This surgery, which is typically done for stenotic (narrowed) valves, involves inserting and inflating a balloon catheter into the valve to expand the valve opening and improve blood flow.
• Leaflet Repair: This procedure involves mending or redesigning the valve leaflets (the flaps that open and close to enable blood flow). To improve function, techniques such as removing extra leaflet tissue or repairing rips or perforations may be used.
• Chordae Tendineae Repair: This surgery involves shortening, extending, or replacing the chordae tendineae, which are thin cords that support the heart’s valves and prevent them from inverting.

Heart Valve Replacement

When valve repair is not possible due to substantial damage or other circumstances, heart valve replacement is the preferred alternative. In Singapore, heart valve replacement procedures are performed using either mechanical or biological valves, depending on the patient’s condition and lifestyle needs.

• Mechanical valves: Made of long-lasting materials such as titanium or carbon. Patients, however, may require lifetime anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clots, which is an important factor to consider while making a decision.
• Biological valves: Manufactured from animal tissues (e.g., pig or cow) or can be obtained from donated human heart tissue. While biological valves are less prone to induce clotting and hence do not require long-term anticoagulation therapy, their lifespan is lower than that of mechanical valves, and they may need to be replaced after 10 to 20 years.

Anyone in Singapore seeking heart valve repair or replacement should contact with a cardiologist who specializes in the procedure. This session will involve in-depth conversations regarding the benefits, risks, and predicted outcomes of each treatment choice, allowing patients to make better decisions about their heart health.

Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Procedure in Singapore

In Singapore, highly qualified cardiac surgeons use cutting-edge medical equipment to perform precise heart valve repair or replacement treatments. Patients considering heart valve repair or replacement in Singapore should expect a rigorous and well-structured treatment approach, as detailed below:

1. Pre-Procedure Evaluation: Before the procedure, a detailed evaluation is performed to establish the best treatment method. This evaluation includes a battery of diagnostic procedures, including an ECG, an echocardiography, and perhaps a cardiac catheterization, to check the heart’s function and structure. These assessments are critical for determining the nature and severity of the valve problem.
2. Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which ensures that the patient is entirely unconscious and painless throughout the process.
3. Incision and Valve Access: The surgical method used to access the heart valve is determined by the patient’s unique condition and overall health. Traditional open-heart surgery includes a sternotomy, which entails dividing the sternum (breastbone) to gain full access to the heart. Alternatively, minimally invasive procedures may be utilized, which involve making smaller incisions and using specialized devices to access the heart with little disruption to the patient’s body.
4. Valve Repair or Replacement: Depending on the diagnosis and condition of the heart valve, the surgeon may repair it or replace it entirely. Valve repair treatments may include annuloplasty, leaflet repair, or the replacement of valve structural components. If repair is not possible, the damaged valve can be replaced with a mechanical or biological valve, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.
5. Closure and Recovery: After the heart valve repair or replacement, the incision is carefully closed and the patient is sent to the ICU for close observation. This intensive care period is critical for assuring stability and a full recovery. After a few days, the patient is usually moved to a regular hospital room to continue recovering until release.

Heart valve repair or replacement in Singapore is carried out by a team that includes not only surgeons but also trained nurses, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation therapists. This interdisciplinary approach guarantees that all areas of the patient’s health are addressed, resulting in a thorough treatment and rehabilitation plan suited to the patient’s individual requirements.

Recovery and Rehabilitation Following Heart Valve Repair or Replacement in Singapore

Recovery from heart valve repair or replacement is a vital phase that must be carefully managed to provide the best possible results. In Singapore, patients who have these operations receive extensive post-operative care directed by cutting-edge clinical guidelines and supported by a team of cardiac specialists. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what patients should expect during the recovery and rehabilitation process.

• Hospital Stay: Patients are often admitted to the hospital for 5-10 days following heart valve repair or replacement surgery. The length of stay varies based on the patient’s response to the surgery and any complications that may emerge.
• Pain Management: Effective pain management is critical following surgery. Patients are given pain treatment drugs to alleviate any post-operative discomfort, allowing them to participate in rehabilitation and recovery activities with minimum pain.
• Physical Activity: The gradual return of physical activity is an important part of healing. Initially, this may include light walking, which improves circulation and helps to prevent issues like blood clots. As the patient’s condition improves, more rigorous activities might be gradually introduced, if tolerated.
• Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-up visits with a cardiologist are required following heart valve surgery or replacement. These appointments allow the doctor to monitor the patient’s progress, confirm that the new or repaired valve is working well, and make any required changes to the treatment plan. These visits are an essential component of post-operative treatment in Singapore.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation: Many patients in Singapore benefit from an organized cardiac rehabilitation programme. This program combines exercise, information, and therapy to help with rehabilitation and overall heart health. Cardiac rehabilitation, which is tailored to each patient’s particular needs, aids in the recovery of strength, lowers the risk of future heart events, and improves quality of life.

Advantages of Heart Valve Repair or Replacement

Undergoing heart valve repair or replacement in Singapore has several significant advantages:

• Symptom Alleviation: Patients frequently report instant alleviation from debilitating symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and weariness following the operation. This development enables individuals to conduct daily tasks more easily.
• Improved Quality of Life: Restoring normal valve function allows patients to resume their regular routines and activities, which considerably improves their quality of life.
• Improved Lifetime: Effective heart valve repair or replacement lowers the risk of major consequences associated with valve dysfunction, such as heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death, potentially prolonging lifetime.
• Reduced Medication: Patients who undergo valve repair frequently require less medications to treat their illness than those who obtain a mechanical valve replacement, as mechanical valves typically require lifelong anticoagulant therapy.

Overall, heart valve repair or replacement in Singapore is a highly effective treatment that can greatly enhance the quality of life for people with heart valve diseases. Patients can expect a successful recovery and return to a more active and full life thanks to rigorous surgical expertise, extensive post-operative care, and a strong support system.

FAQs about Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Singapore

1. What are the dangers of heart valve repair or replacement?

Infection, bleeding, blood clots, stroke, and valve dysfunction are all potential dangers. However, developments in surgical procedures and post-operative care have considerably lowered the dangers.

2. How can I know whether my heart valve has to be repaired or replaced?

Your cardiologist will assess your symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic test results to identify the best treatment option. If your valve disease is producing serious symptoms or impairing heart function, repair or replacement may be necessary.

3. What’s the distinction between mechanical and biological valves?

Mechanical valves are composed of more durable materials and have a longer lifespan, but they require lifelong anticoagulation medication. Biological valves are manufactured from animal or human tissue and do not require long-term anticoagulation. However, they may need to be replaced after 10-20 years.

4. Can I live a normal life after having a heart valve repaired or replaced?

Most people can resume their daily activities after the surgery. Regular follow-up appointments and a heart-healthy lifestyle are critical for long-term success.

5. How long does it take to recuperate after heart valve surgery?

Recovery duration varies, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months. Following your doctor’s advise on physical activity, food, and medications is critical for a smooth recovery.

6. Will I need to take medicine after my heart valve is repaired or replaced?

Yes, you may require drugs to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and regulate blood pressure. Patients with mechanical valves will require lifetime anticoagulant therapy to avoid blood clots.

7. Are there any lifestyle adjustments I should make following the procedure?

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can improve your overall heart health and lower your risk of future issues.

8. How often should I see my doctor following heart valve surgery?

Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor your recovery and valve performance. Your cardiologist will create a specific program based on your health.

9. Can heart valve diseases be avoided?

While some cardiac valve illnesses are congenital and cannot be avoided, living a healthy lifestyle and treating risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and infections can help lower the chance of acquired valve diseases.

10. What should I do if I have symptoms following a heart valve repair or replacement?

If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling, contact your doctor right away. Prompt examination and treatment are critical for preventing problems.

Conclusion

Heart valve repair or replacement is an important therapy option for controlling heart valve problems, which can have a substantial influence on a person’s quality of life. In Singapore, innovative surgical procedures and trained cardiac care teams guarantee that patients get the best possible treatment for their heart issues. Understanding the benefits and hazards of these procedures can assist patients in making informed decisions about their cardiovascular health. If you are concerned about heart valve issues or the need for repair or replacement, speak with a healthcare professional to create a personalized plan that meets your individual needs.

If you’re noticing signs of heart disease or just want to evaluate your heart health, don’t hesitate. Call the Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre for a detailed assessment. Dial +65 6235 5300 to book a consultation with one of our respected cardiac experts. Make your heart health a priority—your well-being is our top priority!

Written by: Dr Michael MacDonald MB ChB, BSc (Hons), MRCP (UK), MD (Research), FESC (Europe).  Dr MacDonald was trained in the UK and is a senior Consultant Cardiologist.