What is Heart Valve Disease?
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more valves in your heart do not work correctly. The heart has four valves — each serving as a one-way gate that keeps blood flowing in the right direction.
When a valve does not open fully (stenosis) or does not close properly (regurgitation), the heart must work harder to pump blood. Over time, this extra strain can lead to serious complications, including heart failure.
Heart valve disease affects millions of people worldwide — yet it often goes undiagnosed for years because symptoms can develop slowly. Early detection and treatment are critical to achieving the best possible outcomes.
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What the heart does
Beating about 2.5 billion times over an average lifetime, the heart provides blood flow to all the cells, tissues, and organs in your body when it's working properly. Clasp your two hands together and that's about the size of a healthy heart. It's important to maintain a healthy heart to live a healthy life.
Learn more about the heart and how it worksTypes of Heart Valve Disease
Aortic Stenosis
The aortic valve narrows, reducing blood flow from the heart to the aorta. It is the most common valvular heart disease in developed countries.
Learn More →Mitral Regurgitation
The mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the heart's upper chamber, reducing the heart's pumping efficiency.
Learn More →Tricuspid Regurgitation
Blood flows backward through the tricuspid valve. Often secondary to other conditions, it can lead to right-sided heart failure when left untreated.
Learn More →Aortic Regurgitation
The aortic valve does not close completely, allowing blood to flow back into the left ventricle. This forces the heart to pump more blood with each beat.
Learn More →Mitral Stenosis
Narrowing of the mitral valve restricts blood flow between the heart's upper and lower left chambers, often caused by rheumatic fever.
Learn More →Pulmonary Valve Disease
Affects the pulmonary valve, which controls blood flow from the heart to the lungs. Often congenital in origin.
Learn More →Recognizing the Symptoms
Many people with heart valve disease have no symptoms for years. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity or when lying down
- Fatigue and weakness, especially during increased activity
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Heart palpitations — rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or abdomen
- Heart murmur (detected by a doctor)
Important: If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Risk Factors
- Age — risk increases significantly after 65
- History of rheumatic fever or heart infections
- Congenital heart defects
- High blood pressure
- History of heart attack
How is Heart Valve Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests. Common diagnostic tools include echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, cardiac MRI, and cardiac catheterization.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the valve disease, as well as your overall health and preferences. Options range from medication to minimally invasive and surgical procedures.
Medical Management
Medications to manage symptoms and slow disease progression, including diuretics, blood pressure medications, and anticoagulants.
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Transcatheter Procedures
Catheter-based therapies such as TAVR offer valve replacement without open-heart surgery, ideal for high-risk patients.
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Surgical Repair or Replacement
Open-heart surgery to repair or replace damaged valves with mechanical or biological valve prostheses.
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