Written by:Fact check:

Overview

What Is Heart Valve Disease?

Heart Valve Disease is a condition in which one or more of the heart valves do not open or close normally. A valve may become narrowed, making it harder for blood to pass through, or leaky, allowing blood to flow backward. The four heart valves help direct blood through the heart, but the severity of valve disease and its symptoms can vary widely.

Symptoms

Heart Valve Disease Symptoms

Heart valve disease symptoms depend on which valve is affected, whether it is narrowed or leaky, and how much the problem changes blood flow. Early disease may cause no noticeable symptoms and may be found during a routine examination, such as when a clinician hears a heart murmur.

  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea) can occur during activity or at rest.
  • Fatigue may develop as the heart works harder to move blood.
  • Chest pain or discomfort may occur with some valve problems.
  • Dizziness can result from reduced blood flow.
  • Fainting (syncope) may occur, particularly with exertion.
  • Palpitations may feel like pounding, fluttering or racing in the chest.
  • Swelling (edema) may affect the ankles, feet, legs or abdomen.

Causes

Causes of Heart Valve Disease

A valve can become stiff and narrowed, a problem called stenosis, or fail to close tightly and leak, a problem called regurgitation. Some valves develop both narrowing and leakage. These changes may result from differences present at birth, aging, infection, inflammation or previous damage to the heart.

  • A congenital bicuspid aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the usual three and may become narrowed or leaky over time.
  • Age-related calcium buildup can stiffen the aortic valve and restrict its opening.
  • Rheumatic heart disease can scar and deform valves after rheumatic fever.
  • Infective endocarditis can damage a valve through infection and inflammation.
  • Connective-tissue disorders may weaken valve tissue or the structures supporting it.
  • Prior heart damage, including a heart attack, can affect valve function or the heart chambers around a valve.
  • Radiation treatment and certain medicines may contribute to valve damage in some people.

Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Heart Valve Disease

Nonmodifiable risk factors

  • Older age increases the chance of calcium buildup and wear-related changes in a valve.
  • A family history of valve disease may indicate inherited differences in valve structure or connective tissue.
  • Congenital valve differences can make a person more likely to develop narrowing or heart valve leakage.
  • A history of rheumatic fever can leave lasting scars on the heart valves.

Modifiable or manageable risk factors

  • Untreated infections can sometimes damage a valve, so prompt medical care is important.
  • High blood pressure can place extra strain on the heart and contribute to heart damage.
  • Smoking increases cardiovascular strain and the risk of conditions that affect heart function.
  • Diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • High cholesterol can contribute to coronary artery disease and related heart damage.
  • Conditions that enlarge or weaken the heart can interfere with how the valves open and close.

Complications

Complications of Heart Valve Disease

When a valve is narrowed or leaky, the heart may need to work harder to maintain blood flow. Complications depend on the affected valve, the severity and duration of the problem, and the person’s overall health.

  • Heart failure can develop when the heart can no longer pump effectively against the valve problem.
  • Abnormal heart rhythms may occur when valve disease changes the size or pressure of the heart chambers.
  • Blood clots or stroke may occur with some valve conditions, especially when abnormal rhythms are also present.
  • Pulmonary hypertension can result when pressure rises in the blood vessels of the lungs.
  • Enlargement of the heart chambers may develop as the heart adapts to extra pressure or volume.
  • Infective endocarditis may affect a damaged or abnormal valve in some circumstances.

WHEN COMPLICATIONS MAY BE DEVELOPING

Get symptoms assessed promptly

Worsening breathlessness, fainting, chest discomfort, rapid swelling or a noticeable reduction in exercise tolerance should prompt clinical assessment. These symptoms can have several causes and do not by themselves confirm a complication.

Diagnosis

How Heart Valve Disease Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis may begin with a medical history, a review of symptoms, pulse and blood-pressure checks, and listening for a heart murmur. Clinicians then use tests to examine the heart valve, its structure and the way blood flows through it.

  • An echocardiogram uses sound waves to assess valve movement, blood flow and heart function.
  • An electrocardiogram records the heart’s electrical activity and may identify abnormal rhythms or strain.
  • A chest X-ray can show changes in heart size or the lungs that may support the evaluation.
  • Cardiac MRI or CT can provide detailed images of the heart and valves when more information is needed.
  • Stress testing shows how the heart and symptoms respond to physical activity.
  • Cardiac catheterization measures pressures and blood flow and may be used when other tests do not provide enough information or before a procedure.

Treatment & Management

Heart Valve Disease Treatment and Management

Mild or stable disease may be monitored with regular visits and echocardiograms. Treatment decisions depend on symptoms, valve anatomy, disease severity, heart function and overall health. A care plan may change if the valve problem progresses.

  • Medicines may help control blood pressure or fluid buildup but do not repair every damaged valve.
  • Treatment for abnormal heart rhythms may reduce symptoms and lower related risks.
  • Anticoagulation may be prescribed when it is indicated to reduce the risk of blood clots.
  • Heart-healthy activity and nutrition can support overall cardiovascular health within the limits advised by a clinician.
  • Treating contributing conditions, such as high blood pressure or an infection, may help protect heart function.

TREATMENT DECISIONS

When a procedure may be considered

Valve repair, a catheter-based procedure or valve replacement may be recommended for severe narrowing, significant leakage, troublesome symptoms or effects on heart function. A specialist will review the valve and overall health, explain the options, and discuss preparation, recovery and long-term follow-up. Treatment for a leaky heart valve is individualized rather than based on symptoms alone.

Prevention

Can Heart Valve Disease Be Prevented?

Not all heart valve disease is preventable, particularly when it is caused by congenital differences or age-related changes. Prompt treatment of streptococcal infections, good oral hygiene and dental care, management of cardiovascular risk factors and avoiding tobacco can reduce some acquired risks.

  • Seek prompt medical care for suspected streptococcal infections to reduce the risk of rheumatic heart disease.
  • Brush and floss regularly and attend dental visits to help reduce oral infections.
  • Manage blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol with a clinician’s guidance.
  • Avoid tobacco and ask for support if stopping is difficult.
  • Take prescribed medicines as directed and attend recommended follow-up visits.
  • Antibiotics to prevent infective endocarditis are reserved for certain high-risk patients and should be used only as directed by a clinician.

Outlook and Prognosis

Outlook and Prognosis

Mild heart valve disease may remain stable for years with regular monitoring. Severe or progressive disease can affect heart function, but it is often manageable with timely treatment and specialist care.

  • The affected valve influences the type of symptoms, complications and treatment that may be expected.
  • The severity of stenosis or regurgitation affects how much the heart must work.
  • Symptoms and changes in activity tolerance can indicate that the condition needs reassessment.
  • Ventricular function helps clinicians judge how well the heart is coping with the valve problem.
  • Other medical conditions can affect treatment choices and overall outlook.
  • Access to regular follow-up care helps clinicians monitor changes and respond when needed.

When Should You See a Doctor

When Should You See a Doctor?

  • Arrange a medical appointment for a new heart murmur.
  • Arrange an assessment for unexplained breathlessness.
  • Discuss persistent or unusual fatigue with a healthcare professional.
  • Seek evaluation for recurring palpitations.
  • Arrange medical review for dizziness or fainting.
  • Report chest discomfort, especially when it occurs with activity.
  • Ask about new swelling in the legs, feet or abdomen.
  • Contact a clinician if your exercise tolerance is declining without a clear reason.

SEEK URGENT HELP

Know when symptoms are an emergency

Seek emergency care for severe or sudden trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, fainting, sudden weakness or confusion, blue lips, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

If you have diagnosed heart valve disease, keep scheduled follow-up appointments and contact your care team when symptoms change rather than waiting for the next visit. This is especially important when symptoms affect daily activities or exercise.

Branches

2 topics

Symptoms

2 topics