What is Heart valve disease?

The human heart has four valves—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary—that regulate blood flow by opening and closing with every heartbeat. When one or more of these valves don’t function properly, the result is heart valve disease. 

This condition may cause valves to either not open fully (stenosis) or not close properly (regurgitation or insufficiency), leading to disrupted blood flow through the heart and to the rest of the body. 

Over time, this can strain the heart, reduce oxygen delivery to tissues, and lead to serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Heart valve disease can be present at birth, known as congenital, or develop over time due to rheumatic heart disease, age-related changes, infections, or other heart conditions. Because the symptoms often overlap with other heart or lung conditions, diagnosis requires careful evaluation. 

Let’s explore the topic.

Understanding the Role of Heart Valves

The heart’s structure includes four valves—each designed to manage one-way blood flow through its chambers and into the major arteries. These valves act like precision gates, opening and closing in sync with each heartbeat to maintain efficient circulation. 

The mitral & tricuspid valves control blood flow between the upper (atria) and lower (ventricles) chambers. The aortic & pulmonary valves direct blood out of the heart into the body and lungs, respectively.

Each valve is composed of thin tissue flaps, called leaflets (or cusps), that open to allow blood to flow through and close tightly to prevent backflow. Their function depends on timing, pressure, and structural integrity. 

Even a slight malfunction—where a valve fails to seal completely or doesn’t open fully—can disrupt the heart’s action and cause it to work harder, leading to more severe cardiovascular issues over time.

Signs That May Indicate a Heart Valve Problem

• Shortness of breath, especially during any activity or when just lying down
• Fatigue
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Cough, especially when lying down
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
• A whooshing or swishing heart murmur detected by a stethoscope

What Can Cause Heart Valve Disease?

Common Causes:

• Age-related degeneration: As people age, their heart valves can thicken and lose flexibility, leading to conditions such as calcific aortic stenosis, which is particularly common after the age of 60.
• Rheumatic fever: A complication of strep throat, this inflammatory disease can cause permanent damage to heart valves, often years after the initial infection.
• Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with abnormally formed valves—such as a bicuspid aortic valve instead of the normal tricuspid—raising the risk of future dysfunction.
• Infective endocarditis: A bacterial infection of the heart lining or valves can scar or destroy valve tissue, often requiring surgical repair or replacement.
• Heart attack or cardiomyopathy: Damage to the heart muscle can affect how well valves open and close, especially the mitral valve, leading to functional regurgitation.

Rare Causes:

• Radiation therapy to the chest: In some cancer patients, prior exposure to chest radiation can cause long-term damage to heart valves.
• Other medical conditions, such as lupus, Marfan syndrome, or carcinoid tumors, can affect connective tissue and valve integrity, contributing to valve disease.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Heart Valve Disease?

Specific individuals face a higher likelihood of developing heart valve disease due to a mix of biological, medical, and lifestyle-related factors. Older adults, particularly the ones over 60, are more susceptible due to gradual wear and tear or calcification of valve tissue. 

People with a history of rheumatic fever, even in childhood, carry long-term risks of developing valve complications later in life. Congenital valve defects, such as a bicuspid aortic valve, also increase vulnerability, often remaining undiagnosed until symptoms appear in adulthood.

Patients with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, or diabetes are more prone to changes in the cardiovascular system that may affect valve function over time. Those who have undergone radiation therapy to the chest, especially for cancers like lymphoma or breast cancer, are also at risk due to delayed damage to valve tissue. 

Additionally, a prior history of infective endocarditis, autoimmune conditions like lupus, and connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome raise the chances of valve deterioration or malfunction.

How Is Heart Valve Disease Diagnosed?

• Physical examination: A doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds, such as murmurs, clicks, or whooshing noises, that may suggest valve dysfunction.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart & helps detect irregular heart rhythms or signs of an enlarged heart that could indicate valve stress.
• Chest X-ray: Offers a snapshot of the heart’s size and shape and can reveal lung congestion or valve-related heart enlargement.
• Echocardiogram (Echo): This is the primary tool for diagnosing valve disease. It utilizes ultrasound waves to generate real-time images of the heart, displaying the valve structure, movement, and blood flow. The ultrasound probe is placed on the chest, neck, and upper abdomen during the examination.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): It is a more detailed form of echo, where a probe is passed down the esophagus to provide more explicit images of the heart valves, beneficial if standard echo images are inconclusive.
• Cardiac MRI: This device produces detailed images of the heart & valves using magnetic fields and radio waves. It’s invaluable when assessing the severity and location of valve problems.
• Stress test: This is done to determine how well your heart functions under physical strain and is often used to evaluate symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath that may not be present at rest.
• Cardiac catheterization: A thin tube is inserted into your blood vessel and guided to the heart to measure pressure and check for blockages. This test may be done before valve surgery or when other imaging results are unclear.

How Is Heart Valve Disease Treated?

• Monitoring through regular follow-ups: For mild or early-stage valve disease, routine check-ups and imaging are often recommended to track changes in valve function over time. This helps in deciding the right moment for medical or surgical intervention if the condition worsens. Medical management includes treatment with drugs that control the heart rate, rhythm and prevent fluid retention in the body.
• Lifestyle modifications: Patients are advised to adopt heart-healthy habits such as reducing salt intake, engaging in regular physical activity as tolerated, quitting smoking, managing stress, and following a balanced diet to support overall cardiovascular health.
• Management of related conditions: Treating underlying problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or arrhythmias, can ease the strain on heart valves and slow down disease progression.
• Balloon valvuloplasty: This minimally invasive procedure is typically used for stenotic (narrowed) valves. A catheter with a balloon at its tip is threaded into the narrowed valve and inflated to widen the opening, improving blood flow.
• Valve repair surgery: When possible, surgeons aim to fix the existing valve by reshaping or reinforcing it, preserving the patient’s natural tissue. This option reduces the need for long-term post-surgery restrictions compared to replacement.
• Valve replacement surgery: If the valve is severely damaged and cannot be repaired, it is surgically removed & replaced with an artificial or biological valve. This is a major intervention, typically considered when symptoms are significant, or heart function is declining.
• Transcatheter valve procedures (TAVR/TAVI or TMVR): These are less invasive alternatives to valve replacement by open-heart surgery for certain high-risk patients. A new valve is inserted by a catheter, usually through an artery in the groin, expanded, and implanted within the faulty valve.

What to Expect After Diagnosis or Treatment

• Post-surgical fatigue and recovery time: Whether through open-heart surgery or a transcatheter procedure, patients may experience fatigue, weakness, or limited physical endurance for a few days after treatment.
• Risk of infection (especially after valve replacement): Patients with artificial or repaired valves are at a higher risk of infections, such as endocarditis. Preventive steps may be required before dental or surgical procedures in the future.
• Ongoing medical monitoring: Even after successful treatment, regular echocardiograms and clinical evaluations are necessary to track valve performance and catch early signs of re-narrowing or leakage.
• Heart rhythm issues: Some individuals, especially those who have undergone surgery, may develop arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. These can affect stamina and may require additional management over time.
• Blood clot risks (depending on valve type): Certain valve replacements carry an increased risk of clot formation. While treatment of this often involves medication, some lifestyle caution is needed to minimize complications.
• Activity limitations (in some cases): Depending on the severity of the disease or complexity of the intervention, some patients may be advised to avoid heavy lifting or intense exertion for a couple of weeks or months, particularly during the recovery phase
• Emotional and psychological strain: Chronic illness or major heart surgery can lead to anxiety, fear of recurrence, or reduced confidence in physical ability. Support, counseling, or cardiac rehab may help with adjustment.

Managing the Condition and Reducing Future Risk

Heart valve disease often requires lifelong attention, even after treatment. Management begins with regular monitoring through clinical exams and imaging tests to ensure the valves continue functioning well. For patients who have undergone repair or replacement, maintaining consistent follow-up care is essential to detect complications early. 

Any associated health issues—such as high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalance, or irregular heartbeat—should be closely monitored and controlled, as they can worsen valve function over time. Doctors may also advise specific precautions before dental or surgical procedures to prevent infection, particularly in those with artificial or previously damaged valves.

Prevention starts with reducing known risks. 

Prompt treatment of throat infections can prevent rheumatic fever, especially in children. Avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, managing diabetes, and limiting alcohol can protect overall heart health. In people with congenital valve issues, early detection and proactive care can delay or prevent the need for surgery. 

A heart-healthy lifestyle—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and moderate activity—remains the foundation of both prevention and long-term management.

Sterling Hospital is Your Partner in Heart Health Across Gujarat

At Sterling Hospital, we provide you with the utmost care and comfort throughout your journey to a healthier heart. If you are looking for the best cardiovascular surgeons in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, or  Gandhidham, we've got you. With considerable years of experience, we have built a team of the best cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in these regions to provide you with premium treatment and the best results. Contact Sterling Hospital to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey towards a healthier heart.