What Happens If There is a Leak in the Heart Valve?

Heart valve leak usually occurs due to valve failure. The problem of insufficiency is caused by the rupture or reversal of the fibers holding the valve and the fact that it is born with two leaflets. This situation causes incomplete closure and backward leakage problems in the relevant area. The mitral and aortic valves, especially those on the left side of the heart, are seriously affected by the leakage problem.

Causes and Treatment of Mitral Valve Leak

The resulting leak causes lung blood pressure to rise and blood to pool in the lungs. During leakage, which initially occurs with symptoms of shortness of breath and palpitations, patients often complain of a 'fluttering' heart. Echocardiography is performed to diagnose leakage. Mitral valve leakage or stenosis may be detected on echocardiography.

Leak in Aortic Valve Causes and Treatment

Leakage in the aortic valve causes the strength of the heart muscle to decrease and the heart to enlarge. Failure to treat diseases originating from this area in a timely manner causes the heart muscle to become very weak and surgery on the patient becomes risky. It is very important to treat the leak without delay to prevent the muscle from thickening and the heart from enlarging.

For the leakage problem in the valve, which causes enlargement, increase in lung blood pressure and increased patient complaints, the valve is repaired or replaced with a minimally invasive method, stopping the growth of the heart and reducing the progression of lung blood pressure. After aortic valve surgery, the heart begins to return to normal functioning within 6-12 months.