Valvular heart disease is the name given to any disorder that is characterized by damage or a defect in one of the four valves of the heart: the mitral, aortic, tricuspid or pulmonary.
There are two types of valve problems that Brooklyn cardiologists encounter:
While all four of the valves can be affected, the mitral and aortic valves tend to be the most affected. As a result of valvular heart disease, the heart is forced to pump blood harder, putting a strain on the heart. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you are suffering from valvular heart disease:
Heart doctors in Brooklyn have identified a number of conditions that can cause valvular heart disease. These include:
In the early stages of symptomless valvular heart disease your vascular doctor in Brooklyn may not prescribe any treatment. However, if you develop symptoms, you may require medications to relieve the symptoms and prevent further complications. Individuals with valvular heart disease are prescribed antibiotics before dental and surgical procedures to prevent the development of bacterial endocarditis. Some individuals with valvular heart disease experience unexplained attacks of ischemia. In these patients, antithrombotics may be prescribed.
A variety of surgical procedures, with high success rates, are available to repair or replace the valves.