Heart valves play a crucial role in keeping blood flowing in the correct direction within the heart. Heart valve dysfunction, whether due to narrowing (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation), makes the heart work harder. Heart valve disorders can lead to serious complications, such as heart failure or irregular heartbeats, if not treated properly.
Not all heart valve disorders require surgery. In certain cases, they can be monitored and managed with drug therapy and regular checkups. So, when is surgery the right choice?
Understanding Heart Valve Disorders
The heart has four main valves: the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves. These valves work in coordination to ensure smooth blood flow. Valve disorders generally occur in two forms:
- Stenosis, which is when the valve narrows so that blood flow is obstructed.
- Regurgitation, which is when the valve does not close properly, resulting in backflow of blood.
In the early stages, some patients experience no significant symptoms. However, over time, this disorder can affect heart function and cause symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Some complaints that often arise from heart valve disorders include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity or lying down
- Easily tired
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Fainting or nearly fainting
If these symptoms appear, further examinations such as echocardiography are needed to assess the severity of heart valve disorders, heart pump function, and the size of the heart chambers.
When Is Heart Valve Surgery Recommended?
Heart valve surgery is considered if:
- Valve disorders are classified as severe based on the results of echocardiography examination.
- Symptoms begin to interfere with daily activities.
- The heart's pumping function shows a decline.
- Complications such as an enlarged heart or heart rhythm disturbances may occur.
- Drug therapy is no longer able to control the condition.
The decision to proceed is not made hastily. The doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation, taking into account the patient's clinical condition, age, comorbidities, and the risks and benefits of surgery.
Surgical Action Options
In general, there are two main approaches to heart valve surgery:
1. Valve Repair
Valve repair is preferred if conditions permit, as it preserves the original heart tissue. This procedure can help maintain the valve's natural function and reduce the need for long-term anticoagulant medications.
2. Valve Replacement
If the valve cannot be repaired, the doctor can replace it with a mechanical or biological valve. Each has its own advantages and considerations, which will be explained in detail before the procedure is performed.
The surgical technique can be performed through open surgery or a minimally invasive approach, depending on the patient's condition and the complexity of the heart valve disorder.
Recovery Process
Patients will undergo intensive care after surgery for initial monitoring, followed by hospitalization until their condition stabilizes. Recovery times vary, but generally take several weeks before patients can gradually return to their normal activities.
Cardiac rehabilitation programs are highly recommended to help speed recovery and improve quality of life after the procedure.
Determining the Right Handling Steps
Heart valve disorders often develop slowly. Therefore, regular checkups are crucial, especially for individuals with a history of heart disease, rheumatic fever, or symptoms suggestive of heart dysfunction. With timely treatment, the risk of complications can be reduced and the patient's quality of life can be maintained.
EMC Hospital provides comprehensive consultation and evaluation services for heart valve disorders, including supporting examinations by cardiologists (Sp.JP) and surgical procedures by experienced thoracic, cardiac, and vascular surgeons (Sp.BKTV). The medical team will help determine a treatment plan tailored to each patient's condition, ensuring safe and integrated care.
This article was written by Dr. Engine Rabindra Ariapramuda, Sp.JP (Cardiologist and Blood Vessel Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).