Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease is a condition in which the heart's valves do not function properly, leading to a disruption in the normal blood flow. The heart has four valves that regulate the flow of blood in and out of the heart's chambers. Valvular heart disease can affect any of these valves and can be a result of a congenital defect or acquired condition. If left untreated, valvular heart disease can lead to heart failure, stroke, or even death.
Types of Valvular Heart Disease:
- Mitral valve stenosis: narrowing of the valve opening that restricts blood flow
- Mitral valve regurgitation: the valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the heart's upper chamber
- Aortic valve stenosis: narrowing of the valve opening that restricts blood flow
- Aortic valve regurgitation: the valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the heart's lower chamber
Causes of Valvular Heart Disease:
- Congenital heart defects
- Rheumatic fever
- Age-related wear and tear
- Endocarditis (infection of the heart valves)
Stages of Valvular Heart Disease:
- Stage 1: mild valve disease
- Stage 2: moderate valve disease
- Stage 3: severe valve disease
- Stage 4: severe valve disease with symptoms
Screening for Valvular Heart Disease includes:
- Echocardiogram: a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's valves and chambers
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart
- Chest X-ray: to check the size of the heart and the blood vessels leading to and from the heart
Treatment for Valvular Heart Disease depends on the severity of the disease, and can include:
- Medications to control blood pressure and heart rate
- Valvuloplasty: a procedure to widen a narrowed valve
- Valve repair: a surgical procedure to fix a damaged valve
- Valve replacement: a surgical procedure to replace a damaged valve with an artificial valve
At the Cardiology Department of Sterling Hospitals Gurukul Ahmedabad, we provide comprehensive care for patients with valvular heart disease. Our team of experienced cardiologists uses the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We work closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals.
Some of the common interventional cardiology procedures performed at the Department of Cardiology, Sterling Hospitals Gurukul Ahmedabad include
- Angioplasty - It is a procedure to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries) using a small balloon catheter. It is often performed in conjunction with stent placement to prevent the artery from narrowing again.
- Coronary stenting - It is a procedure to insert a small metal mesh tube (stent) into a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to keep it open and improve blood flow to the heart.
- Cardiac catheterization - It is a diagnostic procedure to check the blood flow to the heart and the severity of heart disease. A thin, flexible tube is inserted into an artery or vein in the arm or leg and is guided to the heart.
- Electrophysiology studies - It is a diagnostic procedure to identify and locate abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause arrhythmias. Small wires are passed through a catheter into the heart and electrical signals are recorded.
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) - It is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a damaged aortic valve in the heart. A catheter is used to insert a new valve, which expands and replaces the old valve
If you're looking for the best heart doctor in Ahmedabad, look no further than Sterling Hospital. Our team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have years of experience in treating a wide range of heart conditions, including performing angioplasties. They are dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in cardiac care, so you can be sure that you're receiving the best possible treatment.
Don't wait to get the care you need. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation with one of our heart specialists. We're here to help you every step of the way.
