Heart valves act like doors between the atria and ventricles, allowing blood to flow in one direction while preventing it from flowing backward. But just like any other part of the body, they can develop problems and need proper treatment when they do, notes Dr. Óscar Millán Iturbe, interventional and structural cardiologist at ABC Medical Center.
Valve conditions can have various causes and generally cause the heart to function abnormally. Some of these problems include valves that don’t close properly, valve leaflets that become stiff and fail to close correctly, or even valves that form abnormally before birth, during fetal development.
Today, there are several ways to treat heart valve conditions, and the choice of treatment depends on the specific condition and other patient factors.
One treatment option is open-heart surgery, but it’s also possible to replace a valve using a catheter, which is inserted into the body through the leg, hand, or neck and used to deliver a prosthetic valve that takes over the function of the diseased one. The choice of access point depends on the type of material used for the replacement valve.
Valve problems can be present from birth or develop over a person’s life. If you experience chest pain, abdominal swelling, shortness of breath (even at rest), swollen ankles or feet, dizziness, fainting, or an irregular heartbeat, see a cardiologist so they can identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment before it becomes life-threatening.
At ABC Medical Center’s Cardiovascular Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
