DVD Full Form In Medical Terms And Everything Else You Need to Know About It

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What is degenerative valve disease (DVD)?

The human heart is four-chambered. The heart has the right and left sides divided as ventricles and atria. Each side of the heart has valves to prevent backward flow of blood from ventricles into the atria. Thus DVD full form in medical terms stands for the thickening of these valves that prevent blood from mixing. The condition is characterized by structural deterioration of the valve’s components, including leaflets, chordate tendineae, and annulus, leading to impaired valve function. In this article, we will explore the pathophysiology, causes, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of degenerative valve disease.

DVD Full Form In Medical :Pathophysiology of DVD 

There are two main valves between the right and left sides of the heart. The valve that divides the left atria and the left ventricle is called the mitral valve. The valve that divides the right atria and right ventricular is called a tricuspid valve.  

When there is pressure created in the left atrium it creates extra tension on the heart walls. That leads to the wearing out of the mitral valves. Such wearing out of the mitral valve leads to leakage that can get more severe if not treated correctly. 

Degenerative valve disease results from changes in the structural integrity of the valve, which can include:

  • Myxomatous degeneration: A process characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the valve leaflets, leading to thickening and redundancy.
  • Fibrosis and calcification: These processes can cause the valve to stiffen, restricting its movement.
  • Chordal rupture: The chordae tendineae, which support the valve, may weaken and rupture, leading to prolapse or valve insufficiency.

When the valve fails to open or close properly, it can cause:

  • Regurgitation: Blood flows backwards due to incomplete valve closure.
  • Stenosis: The valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow.

DVD Full Form In Medical : Symptoms of DVD

Patients may remain asymptomatic for years because this is due to the internal damage to the nerves, but as the disease progresses over time, they may experience:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
  • Palpitations
  • Chest pain
  • Syncope (fainting) in severe cases

Other signs include heart murmur (the most common clinical finding). Signs of heart failure in advanced cases, such as peripheral oedema or pulmonary congestion can lead to heart failure. 

DVD Full Form In Medical :Diagnosis

  • Auscultation: It detects murmurs, typically a systolic murmur for mitral regurgitation or a diastolic murmur for mitral stenosis.
  • Echocardiography: This is the best test for accurate measurement of heart rate, the thickness of the veins, the thickness of the valves and the velocity and amount of the blood that flows through the chamber. The gold standard for diagnosis. It evaluates valve anatomy, function, and blood flow.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE): It is the most advanced way to detect abnormalities in the heart. It provides more detailed images of valve structures.
  • Chest X-ray: X-rays may show heart enlargement or pulmonary congestion which helps doctors to plan treatment regimens for the patients. 
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects associated arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, it specifies on normal or abnormal functioning of the heart. 
  • Cardiac MRI: Used in complex cases where conditions related to the heart may be complicated for detailed structural evaluation.
  • Cardiac catheterization: Helps assess pressure gradients and blood flow.

Treatment of DVD 

Accurate detection and monitoring of degenerative valve disease is very important in planning treatment for the patient. Symptoms are controlled through medication examinations and medications like  –

  • Diuretics: Alleviate fluid retention in the body.
  • Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers: Control heart rate and reduce symptoms of arrhythmias, they maintain regular and rhythmic flow of bills towards the heart. 
  • ACE inhibitors/ARBs: Reduce afterload and pressure on the heart that helps to manage heart failure.
  • Anticoagulation: For patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent thromboembolic events.

Surgical treatment options are also available to treat DVD such as valve repair and valve replacement. These procedures are minimally invasive and involve minimum recovery time and less pain. These procedures are recommended only if the condition is serious and needs operative procedures to prevent danger to the patient. 

Prognosis

The prognosis varies based on the type and severity of the valve disease and the condition of the valve.

Asymptomatic patients: Symptoms in such patients are not visible nor felt. They may have a prolonged period of stability, especially with regular monitoring but such patients can have further major complications in future. 

Symptomatic patients: Patients go through pain and discomfort and require timely intervention to prevent complications like heart failure, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death.

Prevention and Monitoring

  • Regular echocardiographic follow-up for patients with mild to moderate disease.
  • Consulting doctor even when mild pain arises in the chest.
  • Control of risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol, maintain control over cholesterol levels in the body.
  • Prompt treatment of infections to prevent endocarditis. 
  • Exercise regularly, go for walks, running, cycling and physical activities that boost metabolism and improve heart health. 

Conclusion

Degenerative valve disease is a common yet manageable condition, with proper care and prevention, particularly with advancements in diagnostic and treatment modalities. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Early detections help to prevent complications related to the heart. Regular monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach can help optimize care for those affected by DVD. 

  • While aging and genetic factors cannot be prevented, some measures can reduce risk:
  • Avoiding tobacco and leading a heart-healthy lifestyle.
  • Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Prompt treatment of infections to prevent endocarditis.
  • Untreated DVD can lead to complications such as:
  • Sudden cardiac death in severe cases. 
  • Heart failure.
  • Arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation.
  • Stroke or other embolic events.

Not always. Surgery is recommended for severe cases or when symptoms significantly affect quality of life. Mild or asymptomatic cases may only require monitoring.

DVD full form in medical terms is myxomatous valve disease or degenerative mitral valve disease.

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