A detailed guide on “Early Signs of Heart Valve Problems and When to Seek a TAVI Doctor” by Dr. Kuntal Bhattacharya, Sr. Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Kolkata

Introduction

In the quiet chambers of the heart, four vital valves act as gatekeepers, ensuring blood flows in one direction with every beat. When these gates stiffen or leak, the heart must work overtime. As a Senior Interventional Cardiologist in Kolkata, I often see patients who have brushed off early warning signs as “just getting older.”

If you or a loved one in Kolkata are experiencing unexplained fatigue or breathlessness, this guide will help you understand when those symptoms require the expertise of a Heart Valve Doctor in Kolkata.

Early Warning Signs: Is Your Heart Trying to Tell You Something?

Heart valve disease often progresses silently. The symptoms can be subtle at first but typically fall into these categories:

• Breathlessness (Dyspnea): Feeling short of breath during routine activities, like climbing a flight of stairs or walking to the local market, is often the first red flag.

• The “Unusual” Fatigue: If you feel “bone-tired” even after a full night’s rest, it may be because your heart is struggling to pump oxygenated blood efficiently.

• Chest Discomfort (Angina): A feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, especially during physical exertion, should never be ignored.

• Dizziness or Fainting: Known as “Syncope,” feeling lightheaded or blacking out often points to Aortic Stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve).

• Swelling (Edema): Noticing that your ankles or feet are swollen by the end of the day can be a sign of fluid buildup due to valve inefficiency.

When to Seek a TAVI Doctor in Kolkata

For many years, the only solution for a faulty valve was open-heart surgery. However, for many elderly patients or those with other health complications, traditional surgery carries high risks. This is where TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) becomes a lifesaver.

You should consult a TAVI Doctor in Kolkata if:

1. You have been diagnosed with Severe Aortic Stenosis.

2. You are considered “high risk” for traditional open-heart surgery due to age (usually 65+) or other conditions like lung or kidney disease.

3. You seek a minimally invasive option that involves no large incisions, less pain, and a recovery time of just a few days rather than months.

What to Do If You Need a Specialist

If you are looking for an Interventional Cardiologist in Kolkata for heart valve problems, follow these steps:

1. Diagnostic Screening

Early detection starts with an Echocardiogram (a heart ultrasound). It is a non-invasive test that allows us to see exactly how your valves are functioning.

2. Where to Go

Kolkata is home to world-class cardiac facilities. I currently see patients at the Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RN Tagore) in Mukundapur, which is a premier hub for complex cardiac interventions in Eastern India. Other notable institutions include BM Birla Heart Research Centre and Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals.

3. Choosing Your Specialist

When seeking Heart Valve Replacement in Kolkata, ensure your doctor has extensive experience in “Structural Heart Interventions.” Look for a team that includes both interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to provide a “Heart Team” approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)