Heart valve disease develops slowly, early detection crucial

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Heart valve disease often develops slowly, causing many sufferers to be unaware of declining heart function until symptoms become severe, making early detection through examination important for determining appropriate treatment. Thoracic, Cardiac, and Vascular Surgeon at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, Dr. Vera Citra Setiawan Hoei, said heart valve disease occurs when a valve narrows (stenosis) or fails to close completely (regurgitation), disrupting blood flow and forcing the heart to work harder. “Heart valve disease occurs when a valve narrows or does not close completely, so blood flow is disrupted and the heart works harder. In the long term, this can lead to heart enlargement, rhythm disturbances, and reduced pump function. Because symptoms appear slowly, examination is important to assess the damage and determine the right treatment for the patient,” Dr. Vera said in a statement on Thursday. Heart valve disease can be triggered by various factors, including rheumatic fever following a throat infection, ageing and valve calcification, heart valve infection (endocarditis), congenital abnormalities, hypertension, heart attack, and heart failure. The disorder can be experienced by all age groups, from children to the elderly, especially those with a history of heart disease or related risk factors. In pregnant women, previously asymptomatic valve abnormalities can also begin to cause complaints because the heart’s workload increases. According to Vera, the severity of symptoms does not always reflect the level of valve damage, as some patients with severe disorders may experience relatively mild complaints. The main examination to establish a diagnosis is echocardiography or cardiac ultrasound to assess the shape and function of the valves, the degree of narrowing or leakage, the size of the heart chambers, and the strength of the heart’s pumping action. The examination can be complemented with electrocardiography (EKG), chest X-ray, cardiac stress test, CT scan, MRI of the heart, or cardiac catheterisation depending on the patient’s condition. “Treatment is determined based on the degree of valve damage, symptoms, heart pump function, and the patient’s condition. In severe cases, procedures can include balloon valvuloplasty, valve repair or replacement, minimally invasive surgery, or TAVI for certain patients,” said Vera. Meanwhile, Director of Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, Dr. Margareth Aryani Santoso, said treating heart valve disease requires accurate diagnosis, multidisciplinary team collaboration, and adequate facilities from the examination stage through to rehabilitation. She said integrated cardiac services are expected not only to treat valve abnormalities but also to help maintain heart function and improve patients’ quality of life.