sydänläppäviat

Sydänläppäviat, or heart valve diseases, refer to conditions affecting the heart's valves, which are responsible for ensuring blood flows in the correct direction through the heart. There are four main valves: the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves. When these valves don't function properly, it can lead to a variety of health problems.

Heart valve diseases are broadly categorized into two main types: stenosis and regurgitation. Stenosis occurs when a valve narrows or stiffens, making it difficult for blood to flow through. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood effectively. Regurgitation, also known as insufficiency or incompetence, happens when a valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the chamber it just left.

Causes of sydänläppäviat can vary and include congenital defects present at birth, wear and tear associated with aging, infections such as rheumatic fever or endocarditis, and other medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart attacks. Symptoms may not be apparent in the early stages but can include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles or feet.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, listening to the heart with a stethoscope, and various imaging tests like echocardiography, which uses ultrasound to visualize the heart's structure and function. Treatment depends on the severity of the valve disease and the patient's overall health. Options range from regular monitoring and medication to manage symptoms and prevent complications, to surgical interventions such as valve repair or replacement.