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Heart Leaks Happen To Anyone

Heart leak or a hole in the heart, often undetected because it rarely causes specific signs or symptoms. This condition can happen to everyone without realizing it. The term leaked heart is generally used to refer to abnormalities of the heart valve and the existence of holes in the heart block. In adults, heart leaks are more common because one of the valves cannot be closed or functioning properly. Whereas in children or infants, cases of leaky heart can be caused by holes between the walls in the left and right spaces of the heart are not completely closed properly, although there are also children who have disorders of the heart valves.

Heart Valve Abnormalities

The human heart has four valves, namely the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral and aortic valves. This special network in the heart controls the flow of blood from one part to another. Each valve consists of two or three petals that can open and close. The valve petals will open when blood is pumped between the heart chambers or pumped to other organs through blood vessels, and closes to prevent blood that has been pumped out to return to the heart. However, there are times when the heart valve is not completely closed. As a result, the flow of blood that should have moved to another place actually returns to the heart. This is what is called a leaky heart valve or heart valve regurgitation. A leaky heart valve often causes no symptoms, but sometimes symptoms can suddenly appear. Symptoms of leaky heart valves that are easily visible include chest pain, palpitations or palpitations (rapid or irregular heart rhythm), shortness of breath, feeling tired and weak, unable to perform normal activities, dizziness, fainting, and swelling in the legs, ankles, 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 for valve regurgitation depends on how severe the condition of the leak is, whether there are clear 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 in advance with the doctor about the appropriate type and intensity of exercise), not smoking, and maintain ideal body weight. In addition, do not forget to carry out routine checks to the doctor.

Hole in the Heart Block

The foramen ovale (PFO) patent occurs when the hole between the left and right atrium of the heart is not closed. Everyone has this hole since before birth, and usually will close itself shortly after he was born. However, there are some cases in infants where the hole cannot close. Therefore, PFO is not classified as a congenital heart disease. For most sufferers, PFO does not cause problems even though blood is leaking from the porch right to left. Problems will arise when the flowing blood contains blood clots. In addition, PFO usually does not cause special signs or symptoms, making it difficult to detect. But in very rare cases, babies with PFO can show signs of skin turning blue when crying or defecating. These signs usually only occur if the baby has PFO and other congenital heart disease. Whereas in adults, the signs are not specific and are only diagnosed after undergoing a health check (check up). But some experts suspect that PFO is associated with the risk of severe migraine, TIA (transient ischemic attack), or stroke. But this cannot be confirmed yet. Most PFO patients don't need treatment. But the PFO can be closed through surgery or cardiac catheterization. Heart disease leaks often do not show signs or symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to routinely do a doctor's examination so that the disease can be detected immediately. If the disease is discovered early, the treatment and treatment of heart disease can be started early, so the chances of successful treatment will be higher.

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