Treatment Heart Valve Disease: What You Need to Know
Introduction Heart valve disease is a condition that affects one or more of the four valves that control the flow of blood in and out of the heart. The valves can become damaged or diseased due to various causes, such as infection, aging, congenital defects, or rheumatic fever. When the valves do not function properly, they can either leak blood (regurgitation) or obstruct blood flow (stenosis). This can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently and cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, swelling, or fainting. Heart valve disease can be diagnosed by a physical exam, an echocardiogram, or other tests. Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the valve problem and may include medication, surgery, or transcatheter procedures. Causes of Heart Valve Disease Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the four valves in the heart do not function properly. The