Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease affects around 13% of older Americans today. Undiagnosed and untreated valvular heart disease can lead to heart failure, heart attack, or stroke, but that need not happen to you. You can take charge of your heart health by coming to Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine in Midtown Manhattan, for the best cardiology care with renowned New York cardiologist Mark Meyer, MD, FACP, FACC.
What Is Valvular Heart Disease?
Valvular heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect one or more of the heart’s four valves: the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. These valves play a critical role in maintaining unidirectional blood flow through the heart, opening to allow blood to move forward and closing to prevent any backflow. When one or more valves are damaged or malfunctioning, it can disrupt normal circulation and lead to serious health issues.
Two primary types of valve dysfunction commonly occur: regurgitation and stenosis.
In regurgitation, a valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to leak backward rather than progressing efficiently through the heart.
In stenosis, a valve becomes narrowed, restricting the blood flow out of the heart chambers and forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood through the smaller opening.
Without appropriate diagnosis and treatment, valvular heart disease can progress, increasing the risk of complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, or heart attack. Early identification and management are crucial to prevent these potentially life-threatening outcomes.
What are the Symptoms of Valvular Heart Disease?
Valvular heart disease may not always cause noticeable symptoms, particularly in its early stages. In fact, it is often first suspected when a physician detects a heart murmur during a routine physical examination. When symptoms are present, they may vary depending on the specific valve involved and the severity of the dysfunction. Common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying flat
Swelling in the ankles and feet (edema)
Fatigue or reduced ability to exercise
Sensations of rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
Less frequently, patients may also experience chest pain or discomfort. Because symptoms can develop slowly over time, regular medical evaluations are important for individuals at risk.
How Is Valvular Heart Disease Diagnosed?
At Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine, Dr. Meyer utilizes advanced imaging techniques to diagnose valvular heart disease accurately. A primary diagnostic tool is the echocardiogram, a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound technology to create real-time images of the heart's structures and function. When combined with Doppler ultrasound, this technique also allows for assessment of blood flow patterns, helping to identify abnormal flow caused by valve dysfunction.
In some cases, if echocardiogram findings are inconclusive or if more detailed information is needed, additional testing such as stress echocardiography may be recommended to evaluate the heart’s performance under physical exertion.
What Are the Treatments for Valvular Heart Disease?
The management of valvular heart disease is personalized and depends on several factors, including the specific valve involved, the severity of the condition, the presence of symptoms, and the patient’s overall cardiovascular health. Treatment strategies may involve:
Medications: Dr. Meyer may prescribe drugs to manage associated conditions like hypertension, heart failure, or arrhythmias, helping to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression.
Lifestyle modifications: Recommendations often include changes such as maintaining a heart-healthy diet, engaging in appropriate physical activity, and controlling risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Surgical intervention: In cases of advanced disease or significant valve dysfunction, surgical procedures such as heart valve repair or valve replacement may be necessary to restore normal blood flow and improve heart function.
By working closely with patients, Dr. Meyer develops individualized treatment plans designed to optimize heart health, improve quality of life, and prevent complications.
How Can Dr. Mark Meyer Help You with a Heart Attack?
At Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine, we deliver personalized, expert care tailored to the complexities of valvular heart disease and cardiovascular health. We champion early detection and precision management, blending advanced diagnostics with therapeutic strategies to preserve and enhance heart function. With a commitment to clinical excellence and individualized attention, our practice ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of medical care in an atmosphere of sophistication and trust.
Meet Dr. Mark Meyer
Mark L. Meyer, MD, FACP, FACC, is a board-certified physician and among the leading cardiologists and internists in New York. He is the founder of Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine in Midtown, Manhattan, serving patients throughout New York City. Dr. Meyer integrates different approaches to medicine to provide his patients expert and personalized care at every step of the health journey.
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