A leaky heart, or a hole in the heart, often goes undetected because it rarely causes specific signs or symptoms. This condition can happen to everyone without realizing it.
The term leaky heart is generally used to refer to heart valve abnormalities and the presence of holes in the heart septum. In adults, heart leaks are more common because one of the valves cannot close or function properly. Meanwhile, in children or infants, cases of a leaky heart can be caused because the hole between the wall in the left and right chambers of the heart is not closed properly as it should, although there are also children who have heart valve disorders.
Heart Valve Abnormalities
The human heart has four valves, namely the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral and aortic valves. This special tissue in the heart functions to regulate the flow of blood from one part to another. Each valve consists of two or three petals that can be opened and closed. The valves open when blood is pumped between the chambers of the heart or are pumped to other organs through the veins, and close to prevent the blood that has been pumped out from returning to the heart.
However, there are times when the heart valve is not closed properly. As a result, the blood flow that should have moved to another place actually returns to the heart. This is called a leaky heart valve or heart valve regurgitation.
Leaky heart valves often cause no symptoms, but sometimes symptoms can appear suddenly. Symptoms of a leaky heart valve that are easily visible include chest pain, palpitations or palpitations (rapid or irregular heart rhythm), shortness of breath, feeling tired and weak, unable to carry out normal activities, dizziness, fainting, and swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs. or stomach.
Some heart valve disorders include:
- Tricuspid atresia.
- Tricuspid regurgitation.
- Tricuspid stenosis.
- Pulmonary valve stenosis.
- Pulmonary valve regurgitation.
- Mitral valve prolapse.
- Mitral valve regurgitation.
- Mitral valve stenosis.
- Aortic regurgitation.
- Aortic stenosis.
Treatment of valve regurgitation depends on how severe the leak is, whether there are obvious signs and symptoms, and whether the patient's condition is getting worse. The goal of treatment is to improve the function and work of the heart. Meanwhile, to cure valve regurgitation, it can only be done with surgery, namely by repairing or replacing the problematic valve.
It is important for patients with leaky heart valves to exercise regularly (discuss with the doctor first about the appropriate type and intensity of exercise), not smoking, and maintaining an ideal body weight. Also, don't forget to have regular check-ups with your doctor.
Hole in the Heartbreak
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) occurs when the opening between the left and right atrium of the heart does not close. Everyone has this hole before birth, and it usually closes on its own shortly after birth. However, there are some cases in babies where the hole can't close. Therefore, PFO is not classified as congenital heart disease.
For most sufferers, PFO does not cause problems even though blood leaks from the right atrium to the left. Problems will arise when the flowing blood contains blood clots. In addition, usually PFO does not cause special signs or symptoms, making it difficult to detect.
However, in very rare cases, babies with PFO may show signs such as skin turning blue when crying or having a bowel movement. These signs usually only occur if the baby has PFO and other congenital heart disease. Whereas in adults, the signs are non-specific and only diagnosed after undergoing a medical examination (check-up). But some experts suspect that PFO is associated with the risk of developing a severe migraine, TIA (transient ischemic attack), or stroke. However, this is not certain.
Most PFO patients do not require treatment. However, the PFO can be closed surgically or by cardiac catheterization. Leaky heart disease often does not show signs or symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that you regularly check with your doctor so that the disease can be detected immediately. If the disease is detected early, treatment and care for heart disease can be started earlier, so the chances of successful treatment will be higher.