Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease is a condition in which one or more of the heart's valves do not function correctly. The valves act like one-way doors, keeping blood moving in the right direction through the heart. A valve may become narrowed and stiff so it cannot open fully (stenosis), or it may fail to close tightly so blood leaks backwards (regurgitation). Both reduce the efficiency of blood flow.

Heart valve disease is fairly common, particularly in older adults, as some valve changes occur naturally with age. It can also affect younger people, especially those born with valve abnormalities or who have had certain infections. Both men and women are affected. Many cases are mild and discovered during a routine examination when a doctor hears a heart murmur.

Many people have no symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include breathlessness, tiredness, palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, or swelling in the ankles and feet. Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with activity. A heart murmur, heard through a stethoscope, is sometimes the first sign noticed by a healthcare professional.

Causes include age-related changes to the valves, being born with a valve abnormality, previous infections such as rheumatic fever or infection of the heart lining, and damage from a heart attack or other heart conditions. Risk increases with age and with high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. A history of certain infections can also raise the likelihood of valve problems.

Diagnosis often begins when a doctor hears a heart murmur during a physical examination. The main test is an echocardiogram, an ultrasound scan that shows the valves moving and measures how well they open and close. An electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and sometimes more detailed scans may be used to assess the heart's structure, confirm the type of valve problem, and judge its severity.

Treatment depends on which valve is affected, the type of problem, and how severe it is. Mild cases may simply be monitored over time with regular scans. Medicines can help ease symptoms and manage related conditions. When a valve is significantly affected, it may be repaired or replaced through traditional surgery or minimally invasive transcatheter procedures (such as TAVI/TAVR). Care is planned individually for each patient.

Not all valve disease can be prevented, especially when present from birth or related to ageing. However, risk can be reduced by promptly treating infections such as strep throat to avoid rheumatic fever, maintaining good dental and general health, and protecting the heart by controlling blood pressure, not smoking, and staying active. Regular check-ups help detect valve problems early.