Overview

Problems with one or more of the heart's valves, which control how blood flows through the heart, are called valvular heart disease. These valves open and close with each heartbeat, like one-way doors, to keep blood flowing in the right direction. The heart doesn't work as well when a valve doesn't open fully (narrowing) or doesn't close fully (leakage). Over time, this can make the heart muscle work harder. Some valve problems get worse slowly and may not be noticed for years. Others can get worse more quickly, depending on the cause.

Symptoms
Many people don't notice any symptoms at first. Symptoms may start to appear as the condition worsens. These can include feeling tired all the time and having trouble breathing, especially when you're active or lying down. Some people feel pain in their chest or notice that their heart beats too fast or too hard. In more serious cases, the legs or ankles may swell. A doctor often hears a heart murmur during a routine check-up, which is the first sign.

Causes
There are many things that can cause valvular heart disease. One of the most common causes is aging, which can make valves stiff or worn out over time. Infections that occurred in the past, such as rheumatic fever, can damage the valves and cause long-lasting problems. Other reasons include congenital conditions (present at birth), infections of the heart lining, or long-standing high blood pressure that changes the heart's structure. Sometimes the valve itself is affected, and at other times changes in the heart around it affect its function.

Diagnosis
A doctor may detect a heart murmur during a physical exam, which is usually the first step in diagnosing a heart condition. An echocardiogram is often used to confirm the condition because it provides a clear picture of how the valves function. To get a clearer picture of the heart's overall health and the severity of the problem, additional tests, such as an ECG, chest imaging, or other scans, may be performed.

Treatment
The severity of the valve problem will determine how it is treated. In mild cases, all that may be needed is regular checkups and follow-ups. Medications can help relieve symptoms and reduce stress on the heart. In more serious cases, surgery may be needed to fix or replace the damaged valve. Many people see significant improvements and can keep living a good life with timely treatment and proper care.