läppävaurioita

Läppävaurio, or valvular heart disease, refers to damage or defect in one or more of the heart's four valves. These valves—the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary—ensure blood flows in the correct direction through the heart by opening and closing with each heartbeat. When a valve is damaged, it can either fail to open properly (stenosis) or fail to close completely (regurgitation or insufficiency), disrupting normal blood flow.

Causes of läppävaurio are varied. Congenital heart defects present at birth can affect valve structure. Rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat, is a common cause of acquired valve damage, particularly affecting the mitral and aortic valves. Degenerative changes associated with aging can lead to valve calcification and stiffness. Other causes include infections like endocarditis, heart attacks that damage valve-supporting structures, and certain medical conditions like hypertension.

Symptoms depend on the severity and type of valve damage. Mild läppävaurio may be asymptomatic. More significant issues can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, and swelling in the legs and feet. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination listening for heart murmurs, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and most importantly, echocardiography, which provides detailed images of the heart valves and their function. Treatment ranges from monitoring and medication to manage symptoms and prevent complications, to surgical intervention such as valve repair or replacement for severe cases.