Ticking Clocks and Ticking Valves: What Older Adults Need to Know About Heart Valves and Aging

As we age, our bodies undergo many changes, and our hearts are no exception.  One crucial aspect of heart health that often gets overlooked, especially as we get older, is the condition of our heart valves.  Understanding how these valves function and how aging affects them is vital for maintaining cardiovascular health in later life.

What are Heart Valves and What Do They Do?

Your heart has four valves – the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves – that act like one-way doors, ensuring blood flows in the correct direction through your heart.  They open and close rhythmically with each heartbeat, preventing backflow and maintaining efficient blood circulation.

How Aging Affects Heart Valves:

The aging process can lead to several issues with heart valves:

• Valve Stiffening:  With age, the valve leaflets (the flaps that make up the valves) can become stiff and less flexible. This makes it harder for them to open and close completely, reducing blood flow efficiency.  This is often referred to as "degenerative valve disease."
• Calcification: Calcium deposits can build up on the valve leaflets, further restricting their movement and potentially leading to stenosis (narrowing) of the valve opening.
• Valve Prolapse: In some cases, the valve leaflets may bulge backward into the wrong chamber, allowing blood to leak back (regurgitation).
• Weakening of the Valve Structures: The supporting structures of the valves can weaken over time, contributing to prolapse and regurgitation.

Symptoms of Heart Valve Problems:

The symptoms of heart valve problems can be subtle and often go unnoticed, especially in the early stages.  However, as the condition worsens, you might experience:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during exertion: This is a common symptom, as the heart struggles to pump enough blood.
• Chest pain (angina):  Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can cause chest pain.
• Fatigue and weakness:  Inefficient blood circulation can lead to overall fatigue.
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet (edema):  This is a sign of fluid buildup due to poor blood circulation.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness:  Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause these symptoms.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations):  The heart may try to compensate for the inefficient valve function by beating faster.

When to See a Doctor:

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new or worsening, it's crucial to consult your doctor.  Regular check-ups, especially after age 65, are also important for early detection of potential heart valve problems.  Your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to assess the health of your heart valves.

Treatment Options:

Treatment for heart valve problems depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's overall health.  Options may include:

• Medication:  Medications can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
• Non-Surgical Procedures: For patients who are not candidates for open-heart surgical procedures, newer minimally invasive procedures are available.
  • TAVR ( Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement); A  procedure where a new valve is inserted through a small tube placed in the blood vessel avoiding the need for traditional surgery. This option is often used for narrowing of the aortic valve.
  • TEER ( Transcatheter Edge to Edge Repair ) : For patients with leaky valves , such as mitral and tricuspid, this procedure uses a device to “clip” the valve edges to reduce leakage.

Taking Proactive Steps:

While aging is a natural process, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help minimize the risk of developing serious heart valve problems.  This includes:

• Regular exercise:  Maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity.
• Healthy diet:  Eat a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and cholesterol.
• Blood pressure control:  Manage high blood pressure effectively.
• Quit smoking:  Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease.

Don't let the ticking of the clock overshadow the health of your heart.  By understanding the impact of aging on heart valves and taking proactive steps to maintain your cardiovascular health, you can enjoy a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.  Reach out to your CHI Health Cardiologist to discuss your heart health and any concerns you may have.