Valvular heart disease refers to a group of disorders that damage the heart’s valves, which are essential in ensuring appropriate blood flow across the chambers. As a practicing cardiologist in Singapore, my goal is to provide a complete overview of valvular heart disease, including its causes, symptoms, diagnostic techniques, treatment choices, and preventive measures. This article will also answer typical queries concerning valvular heart disease that Singapore patients may have.

What is Valvular Heart Disease?

Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves fail to function properly, interfering with the regular flow of blood through the heart and the body. The heart contains four valves: the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary. These valves open and close to regulate blood flow, ensuring that it goes in the proper direction and at the appropriate times. When a valve is broken or diseased, it can result in two sorts of problems:

• Stenosis: The narrowing of a valve, which inhibits blood flow. It requires the heart to work harder to pump blood through the constricted valve, potentially causing heart muscle damage over time.
• Regurgitation (or insufficiency): This happens when a valve does not fully seal, allowing blood to flow backward. This inefficiency causes the heart to pump more blood, increasing cardiac effort and reducing heart efficiency.

Both disorders have a substantial impact on heart function and general health and must be carefully managed and treated. In Singapore, advances in medical technology and treatment tactics have significantly improved the outcomes for people with valvular heart disease, increasing their quality of life and longevity.

Causes of Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular heart disease can be caused by a variety of factors, all of which contribute to the degradation or malfunctioning of the heart valves. In Singapore, knowing the causes and mechanisms of valvular heart disease is critical for developing appropriate treatments and management methods. Here are a few common causes:

• Congenital Valve Disease: Some people are born with abnormal valves, which is known as congenital valve disease. These congenital defects might alter the structure or function of the valves, causing problems as the person ages.
• Rheumatic Heart Disease: Rheumatic heart disease is frequently caused by rheumatic fever, an inflammatory condition that can develop following an infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria. This disorder can cause long-term damage to the heart valves, reducing their function.
• Degenerative Valve Disease: As people age, their heart valves, particularly the aortic valve, can degenerate and wear out. Calcific aortic stenosis is a condition in which calcium deposits on the aortic valve cause it to narrow and stiffen.
• Infective Endocarditis: An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged parts of the heart. If not treated promptly, it can cause significant damage to the heart valves.
• Heart Attack: A heart attack can affect both the heart muscle and the heart valves. A heart attack can develop valvular heart disease because it alters heart function and puts more stress on the valves.
• Other Conditions: excessive blood pressure and excessive cholesterol can also contribute to the development of valvular heart disease. These disorders can increase the strain on the heart valves, potentially causing damage and dysfunction over time.

In Singapore, managing valvular heart disease entails addressing the underlying reasons with both medicinal and surgical procedures, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care suited to their unique needs.

Symptoms Of Valvular Heart Disease

The symptoms of valvular heart disease differ depending on which valve is affected and the severity of the ailment. Recognizing these symptoms early on is critical for effective care, particularly in Singapore, where the prevalence and awareness of cardiovascular health conditions, including valvular heart disease Singapore, are rising. Here are some common signs of valvular heart disease:

• Shortness of Breath: Patients frequently have trouble breathing, which may worsen after physical activity or while lying down. This is related to the heart’s reduced capacity to efficiently pump blood, which causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs.
• Fatigue: People with valvular heart disease may feel unusually fatigued or weak, even after light exercise. This tiredness is caused by the heart’s failure to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues.
• Chest Pain: The heart works harder to pump blood through a constricted or leaking valve, which can cause discomfort or pain in the chest, especially during movement.
• Palpitations: Patients may experience irregular or rapid heartbeats, which might feel like fluttering sensations in the chest, as the heart tries to compensate for the valve malfunction.
• Swelling: Edema in the ankles, foot, or abdomen is prevalent as the illness worsens. This enlargement is caused by fluid retention, which is the result of the heart’s reduced pumping efficiency.
• Dizziness or Fainting: Inadequate blood flow to the brain can cause lightheadedness or fainting, particularly with sudden changes in posture or physical effort.

In Singapore, early detection of these symptoms is critical for timely diagnosis and management. Patients who exhibit any of these symptoms should seek medical attention to establish whether they are due to valvular heart disease or another cardiovascular issue. Early diagnosis and therapy are critical for minimizing illness progression and improving overall prognosis.

Diagnosing Valvular Heart Disease In Singapore

In Singapore, the diagnosis of valvular heart disease is a multi-step process that includes a thorough medical history review, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests. The method is precisely designed to accurately detect the kind and degree of the valve disease and establish the most appropriate treatment strategy. Here is an overview of the common diagnostic procedures used for valvular heart disease in Singapore.

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Your cardiologist will first examine your symptoms, medical history, and family history of heart disease to discover any inherited tendencies. During the physical examination, the doctor will listen for murmurs in your heart with a stethoscope. Heart murmurs, which are abnormal sounds between heartbeats, are frequently the first sign of a probable valve problem.
• Echocardiogram: This important diagnostic technology uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart, allowing a clear view of the valves and chambers. It enables the physician to monitor the heart’s structure and function in real time, determining how well the valves open and close and how efficiently the heart pumps blood.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An electrocardiogram monitors the electrical activity of the heart and is essential for detecting arrhythmias and other electrical irregularities that may indicate underlying valvular heart disease.
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can reveal the general size and form of the heart and lungs. It aids in the detection of changes in the size of the heart as well as fluid collection in the lungs, which could be caused by deteriorating valve performance.
• Cardiac MRI: Unlike other imaging technologies, a cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to obtain detailed images of the heart and its valves. It gives precise information about the heart’s structure and function, which is useful for planning prospective surgical treatments.
• Cardiac Catheterization: This invasive procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blood artery and guiding it to the heart. A specific dye is injected to make the heart’s architecture visible on an X-ray. This method provides thorough view of the heart’s chambers and valves, allowing for performance evaluation and abnormality detection.

In Singapore, these diagnostic approaches are complemented by advanced medical technology and highly qualified cardiac specialists, ensuring that patients receive accurate diagnosis and the best possible therapy for valvular heart disease. Early detection with these comprehensive methodologies enables improved disease management and greatly improves patient outcomes.

Treatment Options for Valvular Heart Disease in Singapore

Valvular heart disease treatment in Singapore is personalized to the patient’s specific condition and severity, as well as their overall health. These therapy choices are intended to alleviate symptoms, avoid problems, and enhance the patient’s quality of life. Here’s an in-depth look at the available treatments:

Medications

Medications are an important part of treating valvular heart disease because they help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. While they cannot treat the illness, they play an important role in overall care.

• Diuretics: These help to reduce fluid buildup in the body, which reduces swelling and reduces the strain on the heart.
• Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers are used to manage heart rate and blood pressure, lowering the heart’s oxygen requirement.
• ACE inhibitors: These assist lower blood pressure and reduce the burden on the heart, making it easier to pump blood.
• Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants are important for preventing blood clots in people with valvular heart disease, which reduces the risk of stroke and other consequences.

Lifestyle Changes

Patients with valvular heart disease should adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.

• Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium can help control the condition.
• Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the cardiovascular system.
• Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking is critical since smoking harms heart health.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on the heart and promotes overall health.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures

When drugs and lifestyle changes fail to treat the condition, surgical or non-surgical interventions may be required:

• Balloon Valvuloplasty: This treatment employs a catheter with a balloon at its tip, which is inflated to expand a narrowed valve and improve blood flow.
• Valve Repair: Various techniques are utilized to repair the valve, including reshaping it, removing superfluous tissue, and filling holes to improve valve function.
• Valve Replacement: Severely damaged valves may require replacement with either a mechanical or biological valve (manufactured from animal tissue or donated human tissue). Valve replacement can be done with standard open-heart surgery or with minimally invasive procedures like transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

These treatments are supported by Singapore’s modern healthcare infrastructure and qualified medical personnel who specialize in cardiovascular care. Regular follow-ups and a personalized treatment plan are required to properly manage valvular heart disease, allowing patients to live active and satisfying lives.

Preventing Valvular Heart Disease in Singapore

Preventing valvular heart disease in Singapore requires a proactive approach to risk factor management and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. Individuals can dramatically lower their likelihood of developing valvular problems by treating the underlying causes. Here are some recommended strategies:

• Regular Check-Ups: Routine medical examinations are essential for maintaining good heart health. These check-ups enable the early detection of potential cardiac problems, such as valve anomalies, before they progress to more serious disorders. Doctors can track changes over time and make prompt adjustments.
• Blood Pressure Management: High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart valve disease. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure reduces stress on the heart valves and can avoid damage or exacerbation of pre-existing valve issues.
• Cholesterol Management: High cholesterol levels can cause atherosclerosis, which stiffens or narrows heart valves. Managing cholesterol with diet, lifestyle modifications, and medication as needed is critical to preventing valvular heart disease.
• Diabetes Management: If not effectively managed, diabetes can raise your chance of developing heart disease. Maintaining blood sugar control is critical because high glucose levels can harm the cardiovascular system, especially the heart valves.
• Infection Prevention: Preventive antibiotics can be critical for patients at risk of infective endocarditis, a serious infection that can severely damage the heart valves. This is especially critical for people who already have valvular heart disease or have had their valves replaced.

Individuals in Singapore who adopt these preventive strategies can effectively manage their risk factors and maintain excellent heart health. Furthermore, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, frequent physical activity, and abstaining from tobacco and excessive alcohol might help prevent the development of valvular heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

Living with Valvular Heart Disease in Singapore

Managing life with valvular heart disease in Singapore needs a commitment to continued care and close monitoring. Patients diagnosed with this illness must strictly adhere to the medical advice provided by their healthcare providers. Here’s a more detailed look at how to effectively manage living with valvular heart disease.

• Adherence to Medical Advice: Patients should strictly follow their doctor’s advice for drugs, therapies, and any procedural follow-ups. This adherence is critical for treating the disease’s symptoms and preventing further progression.
• Regular Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups are vital. These visits allow doctors to monitor the status of the heart valves, evaluate the efficacy of therapy, and make any required modifications. Regular monitoring can help detect potential issues early on, before they become serious.
• Lifestyle modifications: Managing valvular heart disease frequently necessitates modifications in everyday habits and routines. Patients are encouraged to have a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes a well-balanced diet reduced in sodium and saturated fats, regular physical activity appropriate for their condition, and weight management. Avoiding smoking and restricting alcohol use are also vital for heart health.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: Living with a chronic ailment such as valvular heart disease can be difficult both physically and emotionally. Participating in support groups can be a helpful way to connect with people who are facing similar issues. These organizations provide mutual support, shared experiences, and practical guidance, which can be quite helpful in dealing with the disease. Furthermore, counseling services can assist with any mental health issues, such as anxiety or despair, that may accompany long-term health concerns.
• Education: Learning about valvular heart disease is a crucial part of living with the condition. Understanding the condition, recognizing the symptoms of deteriorating heart health, and being aware of treatment alternatives can empower people to take an active role in their own health management.

Patients in Singapore can benefit from specialized healthcare treatments, patient education initiatives, and support networks to help them manage their valvular heart condition. Individuals with valvular heart disease can have full lives while efficiently managing their illness by being proactive about drug adherence, lifestyle management, and regular healthcare visits.

FAQs about Valvular Heart Disease Singapore

1. Which are the most frequent kinds of valvular heart disease in Singapore?

The three most frequent kinds of valvular heart disease in Singapore are aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and mitral stenosis. These problems can be caused by age-related degeneration, rheumatic fever, or other underlying medical issues.

2. How are valvular heart diseases handled in Singapore?

In Singapore, treatment options for valvular heart disease include lifestyle changes and drugs, as well as surgical and non-surgical procedures such as valve repair and replacement. The appropriate treatment is determined by the specific illness and its severity.

3. What is the outlook for someone diagnosed with valvular heart disease in Singapore?

The prognosis differs depending on the nature and severity of the condition, as well as the patient’s overall health and reaction to treatment. With timely and appropriate treatment, many people can live healthy, active lives.

4. Are there any recent advances in the treatment of valvular heart disease in Singapore?

Yes, considerable breakthroughs have occurred, including less invasive procedures such as TAVI and robotic-assisted surgery. In comparison to standard open-heart surgery, these procedures allow for quicker recovery times and fewer problems.

5. How can I lower my chances of acquiring valvular heart disease?

To lower your risk, lead a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes frequent exercise, a balanced diet, and no smoking. Regular check-ups with your physician are also essential for early detection and management of risk factors.

6. Can children get valvular heart disease?

Yes, children can suffer from congenital valvular heart disease, which is present at birth. Early diagnosis and therapy are critical for successful disease management.

7. Is valvular heart disease hereditary?

While some types of valvular heart disease may be inherited, the majority of instances are caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Family history can play a role, so let your doctor know if heart disease runs in your family.

8. What lifestyle adjustments should I make after being diagnosed with valvular heart disease?

Adopt a heart-healthy diet, get regular physical activity, quit smoking, manage stress, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for drugs and other therapies.

9. How frequently should I visit my doctor if I have valvular heart disease?

Regular follow-up appointments are critical for monitoring your condition. The number of visits will be determined by the severity of your ailment and overall health. Your doctor will create a schedule that is personalized to your needs.

10. What should I do if I have signs of valvular heart disease?

If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, exhaustion, or palpitations, seek medical assistance right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.

Conclusion

Valvular heart disease is a dangerous ailment that necessitates close monitoring and treatment. In Singapore, advances in medical technology and treatment options provide patients with this ailment with hope and better outcomes. Individuals who understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can take proactive efforts to improve their heart health and live healthier lives. If you are concerned about valvular heart disease, work with a healthcare provider to create a personalized strategy that meets your individual needs.

Remember that living a heart-healthy lifestyle and remaining knowledgeable about your heart health are critical measures for preventing and controlling valvular heart disease.

If you’re noticing signs of heart disease or want to check on your heart health, don’t wait. Schedule a thorough assessment at the Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre. Call us at +65 6235 5300 to book an appointment with our renowned team of cardiac experts. Take control of your heart health today—your wellness 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.