Understanding valvular heart disease

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Valvular heart disease happens when one or more of your heart’s four valves don’t open or close the way they should. These valves act like doors, keeping blood moving in the right direction through your heart. When they don’t work properly, your heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to fatigue and other symptoms over time.

Our heart team uses advanced imaging tools like echocardiograms, cardiac MRIs, CT scans and electrocardiograms (EKGs) to understand exactly what’s happening. Depending on your condition, treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, minimally-invasive procedures or surgery. Our goal is to help your heart work as efficiently as possible so you can keep doing the things you love.

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Types of valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease includes any condition that damages or weakens the heart valves. Each valve plays a key role in keeping blood flowing smoothly in one direction. When a valve becomes narrowed (stenotic) or leaky (regurgitant), it can interrupt that flow and strain the heart muscle. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are vital for maintaining heart health and preventing long-term complications.

We offer expert care for a wide range of valve conditions, including:

Aortic stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve, which limits blood flow from the heart to the body.
Aortic regurgitation: When the aortic valve doesn’t close completely, allowing blood to leak backward.
Mitral valve prolapse: The mitral valve’s flaps bulge or “prolapse” back into the upper chamber, sometimes causing regurgitation.
Mitral valve regurgitation: When the mitral valve doesn’t close tightly, letting blood flow backward into the heart.
Tricuspid valve disorders: Conditions that affect blood flow between the heart’s right chambers, leading to swelling and fatigue.
Pulmonic valve disease: Less common but can affect blood flow between the heart and lungs.
Congenital valve abnormalities: Valve problems present at birth that may require long-term management or repair.

With a patient-first approach, our cardiology team focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans and compassionate care — because every heartbeat matters.

Causes and symptoms of valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease can develop for many different reasons. Some people are born with valve abnormalities (congenital heart defects), while others develop valve damage later in life. Over time, normal wear and tear, infections or other heart conditions can affect how your valves work.

Common causes include:

Aging: Natural calcium buildup can stiffen or thicken the valve tissue.
Heart infections: Conditions like endocarditis or rheumatic fever can scar or damage valves.
High blood pressure or heart disease: Increased strain on the heart can lead to valve changes.
Radiation therapy or certain medications: In rare cases, treatments can affect valve tissue.
Congenital defects: Some people are born with valves that have an unusual shape or structure.

Symptoms of valvular heart disease can include:

Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down
Fatigue or low energy
Chest pain or pressure
Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
Dizziness or fainting spells
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
A heart murmur detected during an exam

Symptoms can develop slowly or come on suddenly. If you experience any of these warning signs, it’s important to talk with a cardiologist for proper testing and diagnosis.

Seek emergency care right away if you experience:

Severe or sudden chest pain
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath that comes on quickly
Fainting or passing out
A rapid, irregular heartbeat that doesn’t improve
Signs of a heart attack, such as pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw or back

Getting help quickly can prevent serious complications and protect your heart health.

Diagnosing valvular heart disease

A clear diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Our cardiology team uses a combination of exams, imaging tests and advanced tools to understand how well your heart valves are working.

Diagnostic methods may include:

Physical exam: Listening for heart murmurs or irregular rhythms.
Echocardiogram (echo): A painless ultrasound that shows valve structure, blood flow and heart strength. This is the most common and helpful test.
Electrocardiogram (EKG): Checks your heart’s electrical activity and rhythm.
Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of the heart muscle and valves.
CT scan: Helps evaluate valve shape, calcium buildup and blood flow.
Stress testing: Shows how your heart responds to exercise or medication.
Cardiac catheterization: A minimally-invasive test that measures heart pressures and blood flow when more detailed information is needed.

By combining these tests, your care team can determine the severity of your valve disease and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Treatments for valvular heart disease

We provide advanced treatments designed to improve heart function and quality of life. Our care plans are tailored to each patient’s condition, lifestyle and overall health.

Our services include:

Medication management: Prescribing medicines to reduce strain on the heart, control blood pressure, treat infections and manage fluid buildup.
Lifestyle and risk-factor management: Offering support for heart-healthy eating, exercise, stress reduction and smoking cessation.
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care: Scheduling regular visits, imaging tests and adjustments to your treatment plan to keep your heart strong and healthy.

If your condition requires surgery, we work closely with major centers nearby and are able to streamline your access to care. Our specialists work closely with you and your primary care team to ensure you feel supported and informed from diagnosis through recovery.