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Heart Valve Disease Prevention – What You need To Know
If you’re interested in heart valve disease prevention, read on.
During this article, we’ll first explore what heart valve disease is. We will then discuss some ways people can prevent it from happening to them. Keep reading to find out more!
What is Heart Valve Disease?
Heart valve disease is a condition in which the pumping function of the heart (cardiac output) is diminished because of one or more abnormalities in the valves that regulate blood flow through your heart. Valvular abnormalities can be classified as either malformed or malfunctioning valves. There are three major types of abnormal valvular conditions: stenosis, insufficiency and regurgitation.
Heart Valve Disease Prevention – What are the different types of Heart Valve Disease?
Stenosis: This involves the narrowing of a valve orifice, usually as a result of calcification and buildup of plaque in the valve. It can be caused by: congenital defects, infections, inflammation (rheumatic fever), trauma, or degeneration (calcification).
Insufficiency: This refers to a failure of a valve to close properly. This can result from congenital defects, infection, inflammation (rheumatic fever), or trauma.
Regurgitation: With this condition, blood leaks backward from the ventricle through an abnormal opening in either the mitral or aortic valves. Risk factors for regurgitation include degenerative valve disease, congenital defects, inflammation (rheumatic fever), or infection.
Why is Heart Valve Disease Dangerous?
Worsening of symptoms of heart valve disease can lead to heart failure or arrhythmias. How quickly a person develops complications from heart valve disease depends on the type and severity of the disease, as well as how well they manage their condition. A person who experiences an episode of heart failure will have trouble breathing and will become fatigued easily. They may also experience swelling in the arms and legs due to fluid retention in these areas. On the other hand, an arrhythmia may cause dizziness or fainting spells. These symptoms can be very scary! If left untreated, they can lead to death.
What should you do if you have a family history of heart valve disease?
If your family has a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, it’s important to take this into consideration. Being aware of your family’s health history can help you take preventative measures that will help avoid complications from developing during a later stage in life. Remember, everyone is different and some people may not have experienced the same health conditions as their family members. You may want to consult with your physician regarding your individual health needs.
What are the Risk Factors?
Some risk factors for heart valve disease include congenital defects, coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking. This is why it’s so important to keep your blood pressure under control and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. It’ll be worth it because you can avoid some of the complications related to heart valve disease! In addition, if you have a family history of heart valve disease or other cardiovascular diseases (cardiovascular means relating to the heart and blood vessels), there’s an increased risk that you will develop one of these conditions yourself.
Heart Valve Disease Prevention – How can you prevent Heart Valve Disease?
The first way is by staying healthy! Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Exercise regularly (to the point of exhaustion) to keep your heart and blood vessels working properly. Don’t smoke, or avoid second-hand smoke in the home or workplace. This will help your heart function properly and help to prevent heart disease as well as other complications from developing.
Another way to stay healthy is by getting routine checkups at a primary care physician’s office every six months from the age of 10 onwards and thereafter if needed. This can provide you with information that allows you to take steps toward preventing potential problems at an early age that may not have been detected otherwise.
Finally, if you’re concerned about developing a heart valve disease-related complication, you may want to get tested. Your doctor will be able to determine whether or not you have an abnormal heart valve condition. If this is the case, it’ll allow your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you.
If I have a family history of Heart Valve Disease, what do I do?
If you have a family history of heart valve disease, it’s important that you get tested regularly. Even if you’re not showing any symptoms, it’s still important to get checked out. This way, your doctor can determine whether or not you have a heart valve problem. If this is the case, treatment can be started early on in order to prevent complications from developing at a later stage in life.
Also, remember that everyone is different and your experience with heart valve disease may not be the same as family members who have already experienced it. You may want to consult with your physician regarding your own individual health needs.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used instead of or contrary to that of a medical professional. Before taking supplements, starting a new diet, or embarking on a new exercise regime please consult a medical or nutritional professional. The owners of “Getting Healthy After 50” are not medical professionals and are simply redistributing information that is freely available on the internet.