Definition
Heart valves are mechanical, functional closures between the atria, ventricles and large conduction pathways. They open during the pumping cycle of the heart to transport the blood in a specific direction. As in any body vessel, deposits can form in the area of the heart valves and narrow them.
Colloquially, this is referred to as calcification and eventually a calcified heart valve. A calcified heart valve is narrowed and can therefore perform its function less well. One consequence is that the blood flow is disturbed and the body can no longer be supplied with sufficient blood. The aortic valve is most frequently affected, the valve between the left ventricle and the aorta.
Causes for a calcified heart valve
A calcified heart valve is typically caused by arteriosclerosis. The term arteriosclerosis describes the storage of cholesterol and other fats in the wall layers of blood vessels and heart valves. This causes the walls to thicken and harden and the valves to become narrower. Risk factors for the emergence of a Arteriosklerose are blood high pressure, smoking, increased blood fat values and blood sugar values, in addition, stress, predominance and a lack of movement.
Symptoms of a calcified heart valve
Calcified heart valves are progressive diseases. In many patients, the disease initially remains symptom-free, while other patients suffer from symptoms early on. Possible symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and reduced physical resilience.
The symptoms are not always clear and sometimes the patients are not even aware of them as they gradually develop. Typical signs of aging can obscure the symptoms. Shortness of breath is a non-specific symptom that occurs in cases of overweight and various lung and heart diseases.
It is a subjective feeling of the affected person not getting enough air. Shortness of breath is very stressful and uncomfortable for those affected and can lead to suffocation and mortal fear. Chest pain can be pulling, stabbing, pressing or burning.
The symptom can be accompanied by a feeling of tightness and shortness of breath. Chest pain can be a symptom of various diseases. Possible causes include angina pectoris, a heart attack, muscle tension, high blood pressure, pulmonary embolism, pericarditis and many others, including a narrowing of a heart valve, for example aortic valve stenosis. Chest pain is always in need of clarification.
