Overview

Heart valve disorders happen when one or more of the heart's valves don't work properly. These valves work like gates, opening and closing with every heartbeat to keep blood moving in the right direction. When a valve narrows (making it harder for blood to pass through) or leaks (letting blood flow backward), it can stop the heart from working properly. This can put more stress on the heart muscle over time. Some valve problems progress slowly and may go unnoticed for years, while others can worsen more quickly depending on the cause.

Symptoms
Symptoms usually come on slowly. Many people have trouble breathing, especially when they are active or lying down. Even doing everyday things can make you tired. Some people may feel chest pain or notice their heart beating irregularly or more forcefully. In more serious cases, the legs or ankles may swell. But in the early stages, there may not be any obvious symptoms. Sometimes, a doctor will hear a heart murmur during a routine check-up and find out the disease.

Causes
There are several things that can go wrong with heart valves. One of the most common causes is aging, which can make valves stiff or worn out over time. Infections from the past, especially rheumatic fever, can damage the valves and cause long-lasting problems. Congenital defects (present at birth) can also alter the valve's shape. Endocarditis, an infection of the heart lining, and long-lasting high blood pressure can also alter the heart's structure or directly affect the valves.

Diagnosis
A physical exam is usually the first step in diagnosing a heart problem. During this exam, a doctor may hear a heart murmur. The echocardiogram is the most important test for assessing how well the valves open and close. More tests, such as an ECG, chest imaging, or other scans, may be done to check how well the heart is working and how severe the condition is.

Treatment
The severity of the valve issue determines the treatment. In mild cases, all that may be needed is regular checkups. Medications can help relieve symptoms and reduce some of the stress on the heart. In more serious cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace the damaged valve. Many people get much better with timely treatment and regular follow-up, and they can continue living a good life.