Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease occurs when your heart's valves don't work correctly. The heart has four valves: the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid valves. These valves have tissue flaps that open and close with each heartbeat.
Valvular heart disease can involve any valve in the heart. The aortic and mitral valves are most commonly affected. There are several forms of valvular heart disease, including regurgitation (leaky valve) and stenosis (narrowed valve).
Symptoms
- Abnormal sound (heart murmur) when a doctor is listening to the heart with a stethoscope
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath, particularly when active or lying down
- Swelling of your ankles and feet
- Dizziness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
Causes
- Congenital heart defects
- Rheumatic fever
- Infective endocarditis
- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy
- Syphilis
- Aortic aneurysms
- Connective tissue diseases
- Certain medications
- Radiation therapy
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the valve disease. Options include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical procedures such as valve repair or valve replacement.
Back to Medical Terms Glossary
We Offer Same Day Appointments!
407-645-1847