Watch out for signs that point to heart valve problems

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Interventional cardiology and arrhythmia consultant Professor Dr. dr. Yoga Yuniadi, Sp.JP(K), FIHA, has stated that symptoms pointing to heart valve problems should not be taken lightly.

“Unfortunately, we Indonesians tend to consider minor complaints as normal. Only when it becomes very severe, when you cannot even walk 100 metres, do you come in,” he said at a Primaya Hospital Kelapa Gading event in Jakarta on Saturday.

“Do not underestimate it, thinking ‘a small leak is nothing’. This subtle valve leak should not be left alone; over time it will become large,” said the Professor of Cardiology and Arrhythmia at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Medicine.

He explained that the heart has four valves: the tricuspid valve, the mitral valve, the aortic valve, and the pulmonary valve. Disorders of the heart valves can involve a valve that is too tight, making it difficult to open, or a leaking valve.

Other signs of heart problems include pain or discomfort in the chest, palpitations, and an irregular heartbeat.

“If it is below 35 per cent, that is a severe reduction in pumping ability. Usually, a person below 35 per cent will be breathless after walking just 100 metres,” said Prof. Yoga.

He noted that valve leaks can be degenerative or functional. In functional cases, the valve structure is still reasonably good, with no significant valve abnormalities except for a failure of coaptation, meaning the leaflets do not come together properly when they should close tightly.

In structural heart valve abnormalities, there is an anomaly or defect in the valve itself, such as a congenital condition called Barlow Syndrome.

“For example, a young person with a functional valve leak whose pumping function is still good would be better off having surgery,” he said.

“When surgery cannot be performed because of conditions that make it too risky, the MitraClip becomes an alternative,” he added, referring to a non-surgical treatment option for heart valve problems using a device called the MitraClip.