Heart valve repair and heart valve replacement both represent significant surgeries for most patients. As a result, exploring the alternatives to these major surgeries is a worthy path of investigation. Understanding the alternatives to heart valve replacement or repair surgeries can help patients make the best surgical or non-surgical choices for maintaining their cardiovascular and overall health levels.
Blood Pressure Medications
According to Health Grades, taking medications that can control high blood pressure may be an appropriate alternative to heart valve repair or heart valve replacement. Since heart valve narrowing can cause high blood pressure, the same medicines that treat other causes of high blood pressure can work in some patients. Medline Plus cites diuretics as one option for a medical alternative to surgery, while MayoClinic.com offers statin drugs as another possible alternative that can slow the development of severe symptoms.
Inotropic Medications
Medline Plus notes that in some cases, heart valve repair or replacement can be avoided with the use of inotropic agents. Inotropic agents are medications that make the heart muscles pump harder, improving blood flow and helping with circulatory issues that can result from heart valve problems. Drugs.com provides a list of common inotropic agents that includes Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin, Digitek, Dobutrex, Primacor and Primacor I.V. Inotropic agents do have side effects of shock, atrial fibrillation and potential heart failure, making it important to weigh their value as an alternative to heart valve repair or replacement.
Balloon Valvuloplasty
Balloon valvuloplasty is the technical name for a non-surgical technique to improve the functionality of the heart, according to MayoClinic.com. The procedure is performed using a thin catheter that has been tipped with a balloon. According to MayoClinic.com, doctors use the hollow, thin catheter to enter a blood vessel in the arm or groin, and progress the balloon-tipped end to the heart. Once there, the balloon is inflated, which has the net effect of stretching out the valve opening to improve blood flow. After the procedure is complete, doctors deflate the balloon and remove the catheter. The procedure is a good alternative for infants, children and very sick adults who wouldn't be able to handle a heart valve repair or replacement surgery.
