Restless legs syndrome affects millions of Americans. If you’re one of them, you know the toll it can take on your sleep. Learn how we can help you relieve your symptoms by treating the root cause of your RLS.
The human heart has four valves that work together to regulate blood flow in and out of the heart.
Sometimes, though, a valve can malfunction, resulting in a medical condition called valvular heart disease. About 2.5% of Americans suffer from valvular heart disease, experiencing a range of symptoms that vary from mild to severe and life-threatening.
At Vein & Cardiovascular Center in Orlando, Sebring, and Davenport, Florida, Ashish Pal, MD, and his team use state-of-the-art techniques to diagnose and treat valvular heart disease.
Here’s what you should know about valvular heart disease, including symptoms to look out for.
Your heart contains four valves:
When they’re healthy, these valves open and close in a specific, coordinated way to keep blood moving at a steady rate in one direction.
Most types of valvular heart disease involve the aortic valve or the mitral valve.
The aortic valve is on the left side of the heart, separating the upper chamber (left ventricle) from the large aorta artery. The mitral valve is also on the left side of the heart, separating the lower chamber (left atrium) from the left ventricle.
Typically, valvular heart disease occurs because the valves don’t open properly or because they don’t close completely.
When a valve is stiff or otherwise doesn’t open the way it’s supposed to, it can prevent blood from entering the heart at a normal rate. When the valves don’t close tightly, blood can seep backward, a condition called regurgitation.
Lots of factors can cause or contribute to valvular heart disease, including:
Aortic valve disease tends to become more common with older age, as age-related changes cause the valve to become stiff — a condition known as aortic valve stenosis.
When your heart valves malfunction, your heart needs to work harder to circulate enough blood to keep your body working the way it’s supposed to. As a result, many people with valvular heart disease experience symptoms like:
Like other types of heart disease, getting prompt medical attention is essential. Without treatment, valvular disease can eventually lead to heart failure and death.
At Vein & Cardiovascular Center, Dr. Pal uses cardiopulmonary testing, imaging, and other techniques to diagnose valvular heart disease early, so the disease can be treated before more serious problems develop.
More than 30 million Americans have heart disease, making it the leading cause of death among both women and men.
The good news: There are innovative, safe, and effective treatments that can help relieve your symptoms and improve your heart health — and your overall quality of life.
If you’re having unusual symptoms or you’d like to schedule a cardiovascular evaluation, call the office or use our online form to schedule an appointment today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Restless legs syndrome affects millions of Americans. If you’re one of them, you know the toll it can take on your sleep. Learn how we can help you relieve your symptoms by treating the root cause of your RLS.
Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, carries some significant health risks. Yet the symptoms it causes can be hard to spot. Knowing your risk factors is important for making sure you get prompt treatment. Here’s what to look for.
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death among women in the United States, yet many women don’t know they’re at risk. In honor of American Heart Month, we’ve got the scoop on women’s heart disease — and what you can do to protect yourself.
Varicose veins might be ugly, but looks are just part of the story. These twisted, swollen veins can be a sign of more serious problems that can take a major toll on your health. Here’s what to watch out for.
COPD is a chronic lung disease that affects millions of people in the United States. Still, there’s a lot of misunderstanding about the disease and how it’s treated. Here are four common myths surrounding COPD that we can dispel right now.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common and potentially dangerous disease. Fortunately, it is treatable. Knowing the warning signs of PAD can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need to protect your health.