BeAtitud Wellness
What is Valvular Heart Disease?
Valvular Heart Diseases refer to conditions that affect the heart valves, causing abnormalities in their structure or function. The heart valves, including the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves, play a crucial role in regulating blood flow within the heart chambers.
Signs and Symptoms
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially during physical activity.
Chest pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest, often associated with exertion.
Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired, even with minimal physical activity.
Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats or a sensation of fluttering in the chest.
Swelling: Edema, particularly in the ankles, feet, or abdomen.
What Increases Your Risk?
Age: The risk of valvular heart disease increases with age.
Previous heart conditions: A history of heart infections, rheumatic fever, or congenital heart defects.
Genetics: Family history of valve disorders.
Certain medical conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and connective tissue disorders.
Nutritional Approach
Maintain a heart-healthy diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Limit sodium intake: Reduce salt consumption to manage fluid retention and lower blood pressure.
Monitor vitamin K intake: Individuals on blood thinners may need to manage their vitamin K intake, found in leafy greens and certain vegetables.
Lifestyle and Prevention
Regular exercise: Engage in moderate-intensity exercise to maintain cardiovascular health.
Manage underlying conditions: Control conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Regular check-ups: Routine cardiovascular check-ups can help detect and manage valve issues early.
Avoid smoking: Quit smoking to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
