Overview
The heart has four valves that keep blood moving forward in the correct direction. A heart valve disorder happens when a valve becomes narrowed, does not close tightly, or both. Over time, this can make the heart work harder and may reduce how well blood moves through the body.
Key Symptoms
Symptoms can develop slowly or appear more suddenly, depending on the type and severity of the valve problem. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, chest discomfort, a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, and swelling in the ankles or legs. Some people may have very few symptoms, especially early on.
Causes and Risk Factors
Heart valve disorders can be present from birth or develop later in life. Causes include aging-related changes, rheumatic heart disease after untreated strep infections, infections of the heart valves, prior heart attack, heart enlargement, and calcium buildup on valves. Risk can also be higher in older adults and in people with high blood pressure or other heart disease.
Who Is Affected
Heart valve disorders can affect children and adults, but some types become more common with age. People born with valve differences may develop problems earlier in life. In some regions, rheumatic heart disease remains an important cause, especially where access to early treatment for infections is limited.
Prevention
Not all valve disorders can be prevented, especially those present from birth or related to aging. Risk may be lowered by getting timely care for strep throat when appropriate, managing heart health conditions, avoiding tobacco, and keeping up with routine medical care. Good dental care and infection prevention are also important because some infections can affect heart valves.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may hear a heart murmur during an exam, but more testing is usually needed. Echocardiography is commonly used to see how the valves open and close and how blood flows through the heart. Other tests may include an electrocardiogram, chest imaging, exercise testing, or cardiac catheterization in selected cases.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on which valve is affected, how severe the problem is, and whether symptoms are present. Some people only need regular follow-up and repeat imaging, while others may need treatment for related symptoms or complications. In more serious cases, a valve may need repair or replacement using surgery or a catheter-based procedure.
Living With It
Regular follow-up is important because valve disorders can change over time, even if symptoms are mild at first. Keeping track of symptoms such as reduced exercise ability, swelling, dizziness, or new palpitations can help guide care. Ask your healthcare professional what activity limits, follow-up schedule, and monitoring are right for your situation.
When to Seek Medical Care
Arrange medical care if you have new or worsening shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fainting, swelling in the legs, or a feeling that your heart is racing or beating irregularly. Also seek care if you have been told you have a heart murmur or valve problem and your symptoms change. Ongoing monitoring is important even when symptoms seem mild.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help right away for severe chest pain, trouble breathing at rest, fainting, new confusion, blue lips, or signs of stroke such as face drooping, arm weakness, or speech trouble. These can be signs of a serious heart problem or a complication that needs immediate care.