What is Heart Valve Disease? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Heart valve disease happens when one or more of your heart's four valves don't work properly. Think of these valves as doors that open and close to keep blood flowing in the right direction through your heart. When they don't open wide enough or don't close tightly, your heart has to work harder to pump blood effectively throughout your body.

What is Heart Valve Disease?

Your heart has four valves that act like one-way gates, ensuring blood flows forward through your heart's chambers. Heart valve disease occurs when these valves become damaged, narrowed, or leaky. This means your heart can't pump blood as efficiently as it should.

The four heart valves are the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves. Each plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood circulation. When any of these valves malfunction, it can affect how well your heart delivers oxygen-rich blood to your body.

There are two main types of valve problems. Stenosis happens when a valve becomes stiff and narrow, making it harder for blood to flow through. Regurgitation occurs when a valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak backward.

What are the Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease?

Many people with mild heart valve disease don't experience any symptoms at first. Your heart is remarkably adaptable and can compensate for valve problems for years. However, as the condition progresses, you may start noticing signs that your heart is working harder than usual.

The most common symptoms you might experience include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying flat
• Fatigue or weakness that seems disproportionate to your activity level
• Chest pain or discomfort, particularly during exertion
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs
• Rapid weight gain from fluid retention

Less common but important symptoms can include a persistent cough, especially one that produces pink or blood-tinged mucus. Some people notice their heart making unusual sounds, though this is typically detected by a doctor during examination.

These symptoms often develop gradually, so you might not notice them right away. If you're experiencing any combination of these signs, it's worth discussing them with your healthcare provider.

What are the Types of Heart Valve Disease?

Heart valve disease is classified based on which valve is affected and what type of problem occurs. Understanding these different types can help you better communicate with your healthcare team about your specific condition.

The most common types include aortic stenosis, where the aortic valve becomes narrow and stiff. This valve controls blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body. Aortic regurgitation happens when this same valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the heart.

Mitral valve problems are also quite common. Mitral stenosis occurs when the valve between your heart's upper and lower left chambers becomes narrow. Mitral regurgitation, also called mitral insufficiency, happens when this valve leaks.

Less frequently, you might develop tricuspid or pulmonary valve disease. These conditions affect the valves on the right side of your heart, which handles blood flow to and from your lungs.

What Causes Heart Valve Disease?

Heart valve disease can develop from several different causes, and sometimes it's present from birth. Understanding what might have contributed to your valve problems can help guide treatment decisions and future prevention strategies.

The most common causes include:

• Age-related wear and tear, especially calcium buildup on valve leaflets
• Rheumatic fever, usually from untreated strep throat infections
• Congenital heart defects present from birth
• Heart attacks that damage the heart muscle supporting the valves
• Infections of the heart valves, called endocarditis
• High blood pressure that puts extra strain on the valves over time
• Certain autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

Some less common causes include radiation therapy to the chest area, certain medications, and genetic conditions that affect connective tissue. Carcinoid syndrome, a rare condition involving certain tumors, can also damage heart valves.

In many cases, valve disease develops slowly over decades. Your valves gradually become stiffer or more leaky as you age, which is why valve problems are more common in older adults.

When to See a Doctor for Heart Valve Disease?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you're experiencing symptoms that could indicate heart valve problems. Don't wait for symptoms to become severe, as early detection and monitoring can help prevent complications.

Seek medical attention promptly if you notice shortness of breath that's getting worse, especially if it occurs with minimal activity or while resting. Chest pain, particularly during physical activity, should never be ignored.

Schedule an appointment soon if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, dizziness, or fainting episodes. Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet that doesn't improve with rest can also signal that your heart isn't pumping effectively.

Call for emergency medical care if you have severe chest pain, sudden severe shortness of breath, or if you faint. These symptoms could indicate a serious complication that needs immediate attention.

What are the Risk Factors for Heart Valve Disease?

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing heart valve disease throughout your lifetime. While you can't control all risk factors, being aware of them helps you and your doctor monitor your heart health more carefully.

The primary risk factors include:

• Advanced age, particularly over 65 years old
• History of rheumatic fever or strep throat infections
• Congenital heart defects or family history of valve disease
• Previous heart attacks or other heart conditions
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Diabetes or metabolic syndrome
• History of infections that can affect the heart

Additional risk factors include chronic kidney disease, certain autoimmune conditions, and previous radiation therapy to the chest. Some medications, particularly certain diet drugs and ergot medications, have been linked to valve problems.

Lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity can also contribute to conditions that stress your heart valves over time. However, many people with risk factors never develop valve disease, and some people without obvious risk factors do.

What are the Possible Complications of Heart Valve Disease?

When heart valve disease goes untreated or becomes severe, it can lead to serious complications that affect your overall health and quality of life. Understanding these potential problems helps explain why regular monitoring and appropriate treatment are so important.

The most common complications you might face include:

• Heart failure, where your heart can't pump blood effectively to meet your body's needs
• Irregular heart rhythms, particularly atrial fibrillation
• Blood clots that can travel to your brain, causing strokes
• Infections of the heart valves, which can be life-threatening
• Sudden cardiac death in severe, untreated cases
• Pulmonary hypertension from backup of blood into the lungs

Less common but serious complications include heart enlargement as your heart works harder to compensate for valve problems. This can eventually lead to weakening of the heart muscle itself.

The good news is that with proper medical care and monitoring, many of these complications can be prevented or managed effectively. Your healthcare team will work with you to assess your individual risk and develop a plan to minimize complications.

How Can Heart Valve Disease Be Prevented?

While you can't prevent all forms of heart valve disease, especially those present from birth or related to aging, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and protect your heart health throughout your life.

The most important prevention strategies focus on maintaining overall cardiovascular health. This includes managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication when necessary.

Preventing infections that can damage your heart valves is also crucial. Always seek prompt treatment for strep throat infections to prevent rheumatic fever. If you already have valve disease, your doctor may recommend antibiotics before certain dental or medical procedures.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports your heart valves long-term. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and managing stress all help keep your cardiovascular system strong and resilient.

How is Heart Valve Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosing heart valve disease typically begins with your doctor listening to your heart with a stethoscope. Many valve problems create distinctive sounds called murmurs that trained healthcare providers can detect during routine examinations.

If your doctor suspects valve disease, they'll likely order an echocardiogram first. This painless ultrasound test creates detailed images of your heart and shows how well your valves are working. It can measure blood flow and identify which valves are affected.

Additional tests might include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart rhythm, chest X-rays to see your heart size and shape, and blood tests to check for signs of infection or other conditions.

For more detailed evaluation, your doctor might recommend cardiac catheterization, where a thin tube is inserted into blood vessels to directly measure pressures in your heart. Exercise stress tests can show how your heart responds to physical activity.

What is the Treatment for Heart Valve Disease?

Treatment for heart valve disease depends on which valves are affected, how severe the problem is, and your overall health. Many people with mild valve disease only need regular monitoring, while others require medications or procedures to help their hearts work better.

For mild to moderate valve disease, your doctor might prescribe medications to help manage symptoms and reduce strain on your heart. These could include blood pressure medications, blood thinners to prevent clots, or medications to control irregular heart rhythms.

When valve disease becomes severe, you might need a procedure to repair or replace the damaged valve. Valve repair is often preferred when possible because it preserves your natural valve tissue. This can sometimes be done through minimally invasive techniques.

Valve replacement involves removing the damaged valve and putting in either a mechanical valve made of durable materials or a biological valve from animal tissue. Your surgical team will help you understand which option might work best for your situation.

How to Take Care of Yourself at Home During Heart Valve Disease?

Managing heart valve disease at home involves making lifestyle choices that support your heart health and following your doctor's recommendations carefully. Small daily decisions can make a significant difference in how you feel and function.

Monitor your symptoms closely and keep track of any changes. Note when you feel short of breath, experience chest pain, or notice swelling in your legs. This information helps your healthcare team adjust your treatment as needed.

Follow a heart-healthy diet that's low in sodium to help prevent fluid retention. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Your doctor or a dietitian can provide specific guidance based on your condition.

Stay active within the limits your doctor recommends. Regular, gentle exercise like walking can help strengthen your heart and improve circulation. However, avoid overexertion and stop activity if you experience symptoms.

Take all medications exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better. If you have valve disease, you might need antibiotics before dental work or certain medical procedures to prevent infections.

How Should You Prepare for Your Doctor Appointment?

Preparing for your appointment helps ensure you get the most valuable information and guidance from your healthcare team. A little preparation can make your visit more productive and help you feel more confident about your care.

Write down all your symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily activities. Be specific about things like how far you can walk before feeling short of breath or whether symptoms wake you up at night.

Bring a complete list of all medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Also prepare a list of questions you want to ask, such as what activities are safe for you or what symptoms should prompt you to call.

Gather information about your family history of heart disease and bring records from previous tests or treatments. If possible, bring a family member or friend who can help you remember important information discussed during the visit.

What's the Key Takeaway About Heart Valve Disease?

Heart valve disease is a manageable condition when properly diagnosed and treated. While it can sound scary, many people with valve problems live full, active lives with appropriate medical care and lifestyle adjustments.

The most important thing to remember is that early detection and regular monitoring make a significant difference in outcomes. Don't ignore symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual fatigue, especially if they're getting worse over time.

Work closely with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that fits your specific situation. Whether you need medication, lifestyle changes, or eventually a procedure, there are effective options available to help you feel better and protect your heart health.

Remember that having heart valve disease doesn't mean you're fragile or limited. With proper care, you can continue enjoying many of the activities and experiences that matter most to you.