Mr. Toan was diagnosed with severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation three years ago. He was recently hospitalized due to extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, shortness of breath, and jaundice. Test results at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City confirmed liver failure, kidney failure, coagulopathy, and multi-membrane effusion involving the pericardium, pleura, and peritoneum. These symptoms indicated acute decompensated heart failure, leading to multi-organ damage.

Doctor of First-Degree Specialist Do Vu Ngoc Anh, from Cardiology Department 1 at the Heart Center, explained that Mr. Toan had suffered from severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation for many years without specialized monitoring or treatment. The condition progressed silently, initially causing only mild shortness of breath during exertion, which often led patients to be complacent. When an acute heart failure episode occurred, the heart could no longer pump enough blood, resulting in damage to the liver, kidneys, and other organs.

In addition to his cardiac medication, Mr. Toan mentioned taking painkillers for gout. "Certain anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs can cause fluid retention, impact kidney function, increase the heart's burden, and trigger acute heart failure in patients with cardiovascular conditions," Dr. Ngoc Anh said.

Dr. Ngoc Anh checks the patient's health before discharge. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*.

Doctors provided intensive treatment using diuretics, anticoagulants, blood pressure and heart rate control, and medication to improve heart function. After one week, Mr. Toan's swelling resolved, his abdomen gradually flattened, and his urination returned to normal, with a significant reduction in pleural and abdominal fluid. His weight decreased from 77 kg upon admission to 65 kg. He regained his appetite, his shortness of breath ceased, and his liver and kidney functions recovered, leading to his discharge.

Heart valve regurgitation occurs when the heart valves do not close completely, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart chambers with each beat. The heart must work harder to compensate for the reduced blood flow, which over time leads to chamber dilation and ultimately heart failure. This condition also increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, blood clot formation, and stroke.

Master, Doctor of Second-Degree Specialist Huynh Thanh Kieu, Head of Cardiology Department 1 at the Heart Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, stated that individuals with moderate (2/4) or greater heart valve regurgitation require regular monitoring to determine the appropriate time for intervention before significant heart dilation or functional decline occurs. Patients should adopt a low-salt, low-fat diet, manage blood lipids, maintain physical activity, and keep a healthy weight to reduce strain on the heart and prevent coronary artery disease. Patients must seek immediate hospitalization if they experience symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, severe fatigue, chest pain, leg swelling, jaundice, or abdominal distension, allowing doctors to promptly identify the cause and provide timely treatment.

By Thu Ha

*Patient's name has been changed.