Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves do not function properly, affecting blood flow and leading to potential complications such as heart failure or stroke. Understanding the risk factors associated with this condition can help individuals take preventive measures and seek early medical intervention.
1. Age
As people age, the heart valves may undergo wear and tear, leading to conditions such as calcification or stenosis. Older adults, particularly those over 60, are at a higher risk of developing heart valve disease.
2. Lifestyle Factors
Unhealthy habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, and a poor diet, can gradually contribute to heart disease. As a result, they can indirectly increase the risk of valve-related complications over time.
3. Congenital Heart Defects
Some individuals are born with heart valve abnormalities, such as bicuspid aortic valves. These can cause improper blood flow causing stress in the heart increasing the likelihood of developing heart disease over time. These defects require medical monitoring or intervention.
4. Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can trigger inflammation that affects heart valves. Chronic inflammation may lead to scarring or thickening, impairing proper valve function.
5. Rheumatic Fever
A history of rheumatic fever, often resulting from untreated strep throat, may lead to damage in the heart valves, eventually causing rheumatic heart disease. This disease is prevalent here in the Philippines and other developing countries, largely due to the lack of accessible resources, such as medications.
6. Infections and Endocarditis
Bacterial infections can, in some cases, cause inflammation of the heart valves, ultimately leading to endocarditis. As a result, this serious condition can permanently damage the valves and disrupt normal heart function. Moreover, individuals with pre-existing valve issues or artificial valves are at a greater risk.
7. High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
Hypertension and high cholesterol levels contribute to the thickening and stiffening of heart valves. Over time, these conditions can lead to valve dysfunction and eventually cause heart valve disease.
8. Heart Attack or Heart Disease
A history of heart attacks or cardiovascular disease can significantly weaken the heart and its valves. As a result, damage to the heart muscle may gradually affect valve efficiency. Consequently, this can lead to complications such as leakage (regurgitation) or narrowing (stenosis), which can impact overall heart function.
Prevention and Management
While some risk factors, such as age and congenital defects, are unavoidable, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of heart valve disease. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, and seeking prompt medical care for infections can all contribute to better heart health.
Understanding these risk factors enables individuals to take proactive steps toward prevention and early detection.
It pays to be informed
Consulting a healthcare professional for regular check-ups and addressing any heart-related symptoms promptly can help maintain optimal heart function and overall well-being.
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References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17639-what-you-need-to-know-heart-valve-disease
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/conditions/valvular-heart-disease