KUALA LUMPUR: With every heartbeat, the heart’s valves open and close to keep blood flowing in the right direction. When they stop functioning properly, however, the consequences can be serious.
FMT Lifestyle spoke with Dr Mohd Azhari Yakub, senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), to learn more about the symptoms, risks and screening options for heart-valve disease.
“The function of the valves is basically like any valve in an engine – to make sure blood flows in one direction and doesn’t flow backwards. They also play an important role in the heart’s ability to pump effectively,” said Azhari.
Among the most common valve conditions seen in Malaysia are degenerative valve disease, which is linked to ageing; and infective endocarditis, an infection affecting the heart valves.
According to Azhari, infective endocarditis can develop when bacteria enter the bloodstream through sources such as severe dental decay or intravenous drug use, before spreading to the heart.
These conditions can cause the valves to become narrowed – a condition known as stenosis – or leaky, known as regurgitation.
As a result, patients often tire more easily during physical activity. As the condition progresses, they may experience breathlessness while walking long distances or climbing stairs.
In more advanced cases, breathlessness may occur even at rest, while swelling can develop in the legs.
“In aortic stenosis, the narrowing of the aortic valve, patients may experience chest pain because insufficient blood is reaching the body and heart muscle,” Azhari explained.
“If the narrowing becomes severe, some patients may faint. In certain cases, it could even lead to sudden death.”
Valve disease can also lead to complications such as organ failure and atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can reduce the heart’s efficiency by as much as 20%.
For anyone experiencing these symptoms, Azhari recommends undergoing a 2D echocardiogram, an ultrasound scan that allows doctors to assess the structure and function of the heart.
At IJN, the procedure typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes, with results available immediately. Depending on the findings, treatment may range from medication and monitoring to surgical intervention.
Azhari said IJN’s cardiac imaging services are supported by advanced equipment and experienced specialists who perform echocardiograms daily.
Heart-valve disease often develops gradually, and symptoms may not appear until the condition has become more advanced.
But detecting problems early can help prevent complications and ensure patients receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible. So schedule a 2D echocardiogram with IJN today.
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