Diagnosis
In patients without symptoms, a calcified heart valve is usually discovered by chance during a visit to the doctor. During the examination with the stethoscope, the physician can hear valve noises characteristic of heart valve defects. If the examining physician notices a pathological valve noise, a referral to a cardiologist is usually made. The cardiologist then performs a cardiac ultrasound examination and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, a cardiac catheterization and/or chest x-ray may be performed.
Course of disease
A calcified heart valve will become increasingly calcified over time. The risk of a small clot forming increases with the deposits. A clot can be washed into the brain and cause a stroke.
In addition, cardiac arrhythmia can be caused and, without therapy, lead to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac death. This means that a calcified heart valve is a serious clinical picture that requires adequate therapy. Heart valve operations usually lead to a good prognosis.
Therapy
In case of a slight calcification of one or more heart valves, conservative treatment can be applied. This includes a change in lifestyle with a balanced diet and abstention from nicotine. A blood-thinning therapy with ASA can be considered.
In the case of a moderate to severe heart valve narrowing caused by calcium carbonate, those affected typically suffer from unpleasant symptoms. Surgical treatment of the calcified heart valve(s) is then recommended. A balanced diet can positively influence the progress of calcification and is an important part of the therapy for a calcified heart valve.
Blood lipid levels and blood sugar levels should be reduced. Carbohydrate intake should be demand-oriented and sweets and sugary drinks should be avoided.Unhealthy fats and bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) should also be reduced. It is recommended to consume healthy fats, as contained in fish dishes and avocado or olive oil.
Moderate to severe narrowing of the heart valves caused by calcium usually causes symptoms. Calcifications of the heart valves that cause symptoms and/or are associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia and a stroke offer an indication for surgery. Possible treatment methods include balloon dilatation, catheter-based heart valve dilatation, and heart valve replacement.
The use of an artificial heart valve is a treatment of calcified heart valves that has been proven for more than fifty years. There are possibilities to perform the operation minimally invasive. During the operation, the patient is temporarily connected to a heart-lung machine that maintains blood circulation. In the meantime, the damaged heart valve is removed and an artificial heart valve is sewn in. A few hours after the operation, the heart is able to beat independently again.
