Heart valve disease: mitral, aortic & tricuspid Amritsar

Livasa Hospitals, Livasa Amritsar brings together cardiology, cardiac surgery and minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat heart valve disease in Punjab and surrounding regions. Whether you are seeking information about mitral valve repair Punjab, aortic valve replacement Amritsar or tricuspid regurgitation treatment Amritsar, this guide explains causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options while highlighting local pathways to care, practical considerations and the expertise available at Livasa Hospitals.

Introduction

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the valves that control blood flow inside the heart become diseased or damaged. The three valves most commonly involved are the mitral, aortic and tricuspid valves. Valve problems take two main forms: stenosis (narrowing that limits forward flow) and regurgitation (leaking where the valve does not close properly). Many people in Amritsar and across Punjab present with progressive symptoms that are manageable when detected early, and more complex cases benefit from advanced interventions such as valve repair, valve replacement surgery and transcatheter options (TAVR/TAVI).

Globally, valvular heart disease is a significant contributor to heart failure and reduced quality of life. Rheumatic heart disease remains an important cause in many parts of India and continues to affect younger patients compared with degenerative valve disease, which is more common in older adults. At the same time, advances in diagnostics and minimally invasive therapies mean patients in Amritsar and Punjab can access care that reduces hospital stays and speeds recovery. This article aims to be a practical, patient-friendly resource that covers causes, symptoms, tests, treatment choices and what to expect during recovery, with local references to services at Livasa Hospitals for those seeking care in Amritsar.

Anatomy and how valves work

The heart has four valves: the tricuspid valve between the right atrium and right ventricle, the pulmonary valve between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery, the mitral valve between the left atrium and left ventricle, and the aortic valve between the left ventricle and the aorta. This article focuses primarily on the mitral, aortic and tricuspid valves because they are most commonly involved in clinically significant disease.

Each valve has a specific structure and function:

• Mitral valve: a two-leaflet valve that prevents blood from flowing back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. Mitral regurgitation (MR) and mitral stenosis (MS) are common problems that can arise from degenerative changes, rheumatic damage or leaflet prolapse.
• Aortic valve: a three-cusp valve that opens to allow oxygenated blood into the aorta. Aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR) are often age-related but can also follow congenital bicuspid valves or infections.
• Tricuspid valve: controls flow on the right side of the heart. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is often secondary to right heart dilation, pulmonary hypertension or left-sided heart disease.

Understanding the valve anatomy helps patients appreciate why symptoms vary: left-sided valve disease (mitral, aortic) often causes breathlessness, fatigue and pulmonary congestion, while right-sided problems (tricuspid) can cause swelling of the legs, abdominal fullness and liver congestion. In Amritsar and across Punjab, a multidisciplinary approach at centers like Livasa Hospitals combines cardiology, imaging, catheter-based treatments and cardiac surgery to tailor therapy to the valve anatomy and the individual patient.

Causes and risk factors

Heart valve disease has multiple causes and risk factors. The profile of causation often varies with age and geography. In Punjab and other parts of India, both rheumatic and degenerative causes are important.

Common causes include:

• Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: an inflammatory disease following streptococcal throat infection that can damage valve leaflets. Rheumatic disease remains a leading cause of valve problems in younger patients in many parts of India. Global estimates historically suggest millions live with rheumatic heart disease; India accounts for a substantial portion of those cases.
• Degenerative and calcific changes: age-related wear and tear, leading to thickening and calcification, particularly of the aortic valve in older adults.
• Congenital abnormalities: bicuspid aortic valve or malformed leaflets present from birth and can lead to earlier valve disease development.
• Infective endocarditis: infection of the valve leaflets that can rapidly destroy valves and produce severe regurgitation, often requiring urgent surgery.
• Ischemic damage and heart muscle disease: left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack can cause functional mitral regurgitation due to displacement of supporting structures.
• Radiation, drugs and connective tissue disorders: prior chest radiation, certain chemotherapies and diseases such as Marfan syndrome can predispose to valve disease.

Risk factors that raise the likelihood of valve disease include advancing age, hypertension, diabetes, long-standing infections, a history of rheumatic fever and congenital valve lesions. In Punjab, public health measures, improved diagnosis and availability of valve surgery in centres such as Livasa Amritsar are changing the landscape: patients previously undiagnosed are now being identified earlier and referred for timely intervention. Awareness of symptoms and regular cardiac check-ups help with early detection, particularly in patients with known risk factors.

Symptoms and signs: when to get evaluated

Symptoms of heart valve disease vary depending on which valve is affected, the severity of the problem and whether the heart has begun to fail. Some patients are asymptomatic for years and are diagnosed after a routine auscultation finds a murmur. Others present with progressive or sudden symptoms that warrant urgent evaluation. In Amritsar, patients who notice persistent shortness of breath, fainting or swelling should seek cardiology review promptly.

Typical symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea): on exertion or at rest, common in mitral and aortic valve disease.
• Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance: when the heart cannot pump effectively.
• Palpitations and irregular heartbeat: sometimes due to atrial fibrillation, which is common in mitral valve disease.
• Chest pain (angina) or fainting (syncope): more likely in severe aortic stenosis.
• Peripheral swelling and abdominal fullness: signs of right-sided failure often associated with tricuspid regurgitation.
• Reduced endurance and lung congestion: orthopnea (need to sit up to breathe) and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea are advanced signs.

When signs develop suddenly (fever plus new murmur suggesting infective endocarditis, acute pulmonary edema, syncope or sudden severe breathlessness), urgent assessment is needed. At Livasa Hospitals, the heart team in Amritsar provides same-day or expedited evaluation for patients with red-flag symptoms and coordinates investigations like echocardiogram valve testing to confirm severity and guide treatment pathways.

Diagnosis and investigations available in Amritsar

Accurate diagnosis of valve disease relies on a combination of clinical assessment and imaging. The cornerstone test is the echocardiogram (echo), which visualizes valve leaflets, measures gradients and quantifies regurgitation. Other tests help assess the impact on the heart and plan treatment. Livasa Amritsar's cardiology department offers the full spectrum of diagnostic modalities for valve disease.

Typical investigations include:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): first-line, non-invasive test for valve anatomy and haemodynamics. Keywords: echocardiogram valve Punjab, echocardiogram for valve disease Amritsar.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): higher-resolution echo performed when TTE is inconclusive, especially for suspected endocarditis or complex valve pathology.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitoring: to detect arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation that influence management.
• Chest X-ray and CT or MRI: to evaluate heart size, pulmonary congestion and complex anatomy when planning surgery or TAVR.
• Cardiac catheterization (coronary angiogram): recommended in many adults prior to valve surgery to assess coronary arteries.
• Blood tests including BNP and cultures: BNP helps assess heart failure severity; blood cultures are critical when infection is suspected.

Regarding costs, an echocardiogram cost Amritsar varies by centre and by whether TTE or TEE is needed. Typical ranges at private hospitals in Amritsar are approximately INR 800–3,500 for a standard TTE and higher for TEE; prices depend on the technology and reporting standards. Livasa Hospitals provides transparent pricing and bundled packages for valve disease evaluation and offers online appointment booking at https://www.livasahospitals.com/appointment or phone booking at +91 80788 80788.

Treatment options: medical, repair and replacement

Treatment of valve disease is individualized. Decisions depend on valve type, severity, symptoms, coexisting heart disease and patient factors (age, comorbidities, lifestyle). Options include medical therapy to manage symptoms, valve repair or valve replacement (mechanical or tissue), and catheter-based interventions such as TAVR or edge-to-edge mitral repairs. In Amritsar and Punjab, patients increasingly benefit from minimally invasive valve surgery and transcatheter approaches that shorten recovery and reduce hospital stay.

Medical therapy is often the first step and includes diuretics, medications to treat heart failure, rhythm control for atrial fibrillation and infective endocarditis management with antibiotics. However, once valve disease becomes severe or symptomatic, procedural treatment usually provides the best long-term outcome.

Below are helpful comparisons presented in table form to assist understanding of key choices:

Another important comparison is valve repair vs replacement Amritsar, which depends on valve pathology. Surgeons at Livasa Amritsar evaluate the feasibility of repair—particularly for the mitral valve—because repair often preserves heart function and reduces the need for long-term anticoagulation.

For aortic stenosis in older patients, TAVR/TAVI Amritsar is increasingly offered and Livasa Hospitals provide TAVI as part of their advanced cardiology services. For younger patients or those with bicuspid aortic valves, surgical aortic valve replacement may be recommended. Tricuspid regurgitation treatment Amritsar is typically surgical or percutaneous depending on whether TR is primary or secondary.

Minimally invasive and transcatheter options in Punjab

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and transcatheter techniques such as TAVR have transformed management of valve disease. These options are especially important for older patients or those with comorbidities that increase the risk of conventional open-heart surgery. Livasa Amritsar's cardiology and cardiac surgery programs provide both minimally invasive surgical approaches and catheter-based therapies to patients across Punjab.

Advantages of minimally invasive approaches include:

• Smaller incisions and less trauma: reduced pain and blood loss.
• Faster recovery: earlier mobilization and return to daily activities.
• Lower infection risk and improved cosmetic results: important for many patients.
• Shorter hospital stays and earlier rehabilitation: which also helps reduce overall cost.

For a clear comparison, the following table contrasts minimally invasive valve surgery and traditional sternotomy:

The Livasa Amritsar team assesses each patient with a 'heart team' approach—cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists and anesthesiologists—to recommend the safest and most effective strategy. For aortic stenosis patients who are elderly or high-risk surgical candidates, TAVR Amritsar is a less invasive alternative with shorter hospitalization and rapid symptomatic relief.

Choosing a hospital and surgeon in Amritsar

Selecting where to receive valve care is important. Look for a centre offering multidisciplinary expertise, advanced imaging, a dedicated cath lab and cardiac operating theatre, experienced valve surgeons and an established ICU for post-operative care. In Punjab and Amritsar, patients seeking the best outcomes for valve surgery often prioritize centres with:

• Heart valve specialist availability: experienced cardiologists and surgeons who perform frequent valve repairs and replacements.
• Access to TAVR and MICS: proven minimally invasive and transcatheter programs.
• Comprehensive diagnostics: high-quality echocardiography, CT and intraoperative imaging like intraoperative TEE.
• Postoperative care and rehabilitation: step-down units, physiotherapy and cardiac rehab services.

Livasa Hospitals' cardiology and cardiac surgery departments in Amritsar provide these components. If you're looking for the best hospital for valve surgery in Amritsar or want to consult the best mitral valve surgeon Amritsar, call +91 80788 80788 or book an appointment online at Livasa Hospitals appointment. The team will explain the recommended procedure, expected outcomes and a personalized plan including an estimate for mitral valve repair cost Amritsar or aortic valve replacement cost Amritsar depending on the chosen therapy and whether additional treatments (e.g., CABG) are required.

Recovery, follow-up and long-term living after valve procedures

Recovery after valve surgery differs by procedure. Minimally invasive and transcatheter treatments often permit earlier mobilization and shorter hospital stays than traditional open-heart surgery, but all patients require careful monitoring and rehabilitation. Key elements of recovery include wound care, gradual increase in activity, medication management and regular imaging follow-up.

Important points for post-procedure care:

• Anticoagulation: patients with mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation; those with tissue valves may need short-term anticoagulation. The heart team provides precise guidance and INR monitoring where needed.
• Follow-up imaging: an echocardiogram is usually performed before discharge, at 6–12 weeks and then periodically to monitor valve function.
• Cardiac rehabilitation: structured exercise and education programs help restore strength and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.
• Infection prevention: dental hygiene and prompt treatment of infections help reduce endocarditis risk; certain procedures may need antibiotic prophylaxis as advised by the team.
• Lifestyle modifications: blood pressure control, diabetes management, smoking cessation and maintaining a healthy weight all support long-term valve health.

Prognosis after valve interventions is generally excellent when treatment is timely and the appropriate procedure is selected. Livasa Amritsar offers a structured discharge plan and follow-up clinics focusing on valve disease to make the transition home safe and predictable for patients from Amritsar and across Punjab.

Pediatric and congenital valve disease care in Amritsar

Valve disease in children and adolescents often arises from congenital abnormalities such as bicuspid aortic valves, cleft mitral valves or congenital stenosis of the pulmonary valve. Pediatric valve surgery requires specialized expertise because anatomy, growth potential and long-term planning (including future interventions) must be considered. Livasa Hospitals supports pediatric cardiac care with experienced teams who coordinate with pediatric cardiologists, anesthetists and surgeons to provide tailored plans.

For congenital valve disease Amritsar families should know:

• Early diagnosis and monitoring: many congenital valve lesions are detected on prenatal ultrasound or early childhood screening; regular follow-up is essential to time interventions appropriately.
• Pediatric valve surgery options: repair is often preferred when feasible to preserve growth potential; valve replacement choices in children include options that can accommodate future growth or be replaced later.
• Collaborative care: a multidisciplinary paediatric heart team plans interventions, including when to use catheter-based methods versus open surgery.
• Long-term outlook: many children who undergo timely repair or replacement go on to lead active lives with routine follow-up.

If you are seeking pediatric valve surgery Amritsar or a second opinion on congenital valve disease, contact Livasa Amritsar to arrange a consultation and imaging review with specialists experienced in managing both simple and complex pediatric valve conditions.

When to seek urgent care and frequently asked questions

Some valve problems require urgent attention. Seek immediate medical care if you experience sudden or severe shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain, confusing symptoms, high fever with a new murmur (possible infective endocarditis), or signs of heart failure such as sudden swelling and rapid weight gain.

Frequently asked questions:

• How do I know if I need surgery? Decisions are based on symptoms, echocardiogram findings and the impact on heart function. Asymptomatic severe disease may still need intervention to prevent irreversible damage.
• Is valve repair always better than replacement? Repair is preferred when durable and feasible—especially for the mitral valve—but replacement is necessary in certain scenarios. The surgeon’s expertise is critical.
• What are typical costs for valve surgery in Amritsar? Costs depend on procedure type (repair vs replacement, mechanical vs tissue valve), hospital stay and additional procedures. Livasa Amritsar provides estimates after evaluation; contact +91 80788 80788 or book via the online appointment portal.
• Can I have a minimally invasive or TAVR procedure in Amritsar? Yes. Livasa Amritsar offers minimally invasive cardiac surgery and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for suitable candidates.

For emergent evaluation in Amritsar, contact local emergency services or present to the nearest emergency department. For planned consultations, call Livasa Hospitals at +91 80788 80788 or schedule online to meet a heart valve specialist in Punjab who can coordinate tests and discuss treatment choices.