Valvular Heart Disease

What Is Valvular Heart Disease?

Your heart has four valves that open and close with each heartbeat to keep blood flowing in the right direction. Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of these valves doesn’t work properly. It may not open fully (stenosis) or may leak (regurgitation). Common conditions include aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and mitral valve prolapse. These problems can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually over many years.

Why Is It Treated?

Valve problems force your heart to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in your legs, dizziness, or chest discomfort. If left unmanaged, severe valve disease can weaken your heart over time and lead to heart failure or other serious complications. Early detection and monitoring help your doctor intervene at the right time to protect your heart function.

What to Expect

Diagnosis usually begins with your doctor hearing an abnormal heart sound (murmur) during a physical exam, followed by an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to see the valves in detail. Mild valve disease may only require regular monitoring with periodic echocardiograms. More significant disease may be managed with medications to ease symptoms and reduce strain on your heart. If a valve becomes severely damaged, your doctor will discuss surgical or catheter-based options performed at an affiliated hospital.

How to Prepare

For your appointment, bring any previous heart test results and a list of your current medications. Be prepared to describe your symptoms, especially any shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling, and when they started. If you’ve been told you have a heart murmur in the past, let your doctor know. Regular follow-up visits are important even if you feel well, so your doctor can track any changes over time.