What does VHD mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Valvular Heart Disease (VHD) refers to a group of conditions that involve one or more of the heart's four valves. These valves control the flow of blood between different chambers in the heart. VHD can make it difficult for these valves to work properly, which can cause problems with the normal flow of blood throughout the body.

Common symptoms associated with VHD may include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and rapid heartbeat. In some cases, abnormal heart sounds such as a murmur may also be heard using a stethoscope. Other symptoms may include difficulty in maintaining activity levels or swelling in extremities due to fluid buildup caused by an inability for blood to circulate freely due to blocked valves.

Risk factors for developing VHD vary depending on condition but may include age, family history, prior heart attack/surgery, diabetes and high cholesterol levels as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking or being overweight/obese. Certain bacterial infections such as endocarditis are also known risk factors for developing specific types of VHD.

Treatment for VHD depends on its severity and type but typically involves lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and staying active along with medication management. Surgery may also be required in severe cases where medications fail to help or when certain congenital conditions exist making repair/replacement necessary.

Some forms of Valvular Heart Disease cannot be prevented but regular cardiac screenings can help detect it early so that treatment can begin quickly before complications set in. Limiting risk factors such as maintaining a healthy weight; eating a nutritious diet; exercising regularly; avoiding smoking; and getting vaccinated against certain bacteria known to increase your risk are all important steps towards prevention of some forms of VHD.