szívbillentybetegségeket

Szívbillentybetegségek, or heart valve diseases, refer to conditions affecting the four valves of the heart: the aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves. These valves are crucial for ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction through the heart chambers and into the arteries. Heart valve diseases can arise from various causes, including congenital defects, aging, infections like rheumatic fever, and other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart attack.

There are two main types of heart valve disease: stenosis and regurgitation. Valvular stenosis occurs when a valve becomes stiff and narrowed, making it difficult for blood to pass through. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, potentially leading to heart muscle thickening and failure. Regurgitation, also known as insufficiency or incompetence, happens when a valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the chamber it just left. This backward flow reduces the efficiency of blood circulation and can also strain the heart.

Symptoms of heart valve disease vary depending on the severity and which valve is affected. Common signs include shortness of breath, particularly during exertion, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles and feet. In some cases, especially with mild disease, individuals may experience no noticeable symptoms for a long time. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, listening to the heart with a stethoscope for abnormal sounds (murmurs), and diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and sometimes cardiac catheterization. Treatment options range from medication to manage symptoms and prevent complications to surgical interventions like valve repair or replacement. The prognosis depends on the type and severity of the valve disease and the success of treatment.