Treatment may involve the use of drugs or surgery. One type of drug
(diuretic) is used to relieve the congestion that develops in the lungs or the
fluid that may collect in the legs and abdomen. Another, digoxin, is used
to improve the pumping efficiency of the heart. Several other drugs are
now available which reduce the work that the heart has got to do.
Surgery on the affected valves will restore the normal functioning of the
valve. Surgery is NOT a last resort when drugs fail. If the obstruction
or leaking of the valve is severe then medicines will usually eventually
fail and it is important to time the operation before there is irreversible
damage to the heart. So in many instances surgery is advised before the
heart has begun to fail seriously and often the patient may have little in
the way of symptoms. Quite frequently no treatment at all is required
in which case regular annual reviews by a cardiologist will usually be
undertaken.
The importance of regularly seeing all patients with valve disease of
the heart cannot be overstressed even if they are completely well.
Usually an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and echocardiogram will be
done at regular intervals and in this way if medicines or surgery become
necessary they will be given at the right time before it is too late. Quite
often no treatment will be required for years, if ever, but a careful regular watch means that you are not missing out on treatment that may be
necessary.