Your heart’s valves work like tiny doors, opening and closing with every heartbeat to keep blood flowing in the right direction. But when a valve doesn’t open fully or doesn’t close properly, it can put extra strain on your heart and lead to serious health issues over time.
More than five million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with heart valve disease each year. Heart valve disease can develop slowly, without obvious symptoms, or it can cause noticeable symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath and even chest discomfort. The good news is that with the right diagnosis and treatment, many people with valve disease go on to live full, active lives.
What is Heart Valve Disease?
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s four valves—aortic, mitral, pulmonary or tricuspid—does not function properly. These valves help control blood flow through the heart, ensuring that it moves in the right direction.
Your heart has four valves. Here’s what each of these valves does:
- Pulmonary valve: Controls blood flow from the heart to the lungs; problems can make it harder for blood to reach the lungs for oxygen.
- Aortic valve: Regulates blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body; narrowing or leakage can reduce oxygen supply.
- Mitral valve: Directs blood from the lungs into the heart’s main pumping chamber; issues can cause backflow and strain on the heart.
- Tricuspid valve: Controls blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle; dysfunction can cause blood to back up into the body, leading to swelling and fluid retention.
When a valve is damaged or diseased, it can:
- Narrow (called stenosis)
- Leak (called regurgitation or insufficiency)
- Fail to close properly (called prolapse)
All of these heart valve problems lead to disruptions in circulation and increased strain on the heart.
Types of Heart Valve Disease
There are several types of heart valve problems, depending on which valve is affected and how it’s malfunctioning:
- Aortic stenosis: A narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
- Mitral valve regurgitation: When the mitral valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium.
- Pulmonary valve stenosis: A narrowing of the pulmonary valve, making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the lungs.
- Mitral valve prolapse: The mitral valve’s leaflets bulge or prolapse into the left atrium, sometimes causing leakage.
- Tricuspid regurgitation: The tricuspid valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the right atrium.
Heart valve disease can develop gradually or be present from birth (called congenital). If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, blood clots and arrhythmias.
Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease
Symptoms of heart valve disease can vary depending on the severity and the specific type of valve issue. Some people have no noticeable symptoms for years, while others can experience significant discomfort.
Common symptoms in adults can include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying flat
- Fatigue and reduced ability to exercise
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Swelling in the ankles, feet or abdomen (a sign of heart failure)
- Dizziness or fainting
Symptoms in children with congenital heart valve issues can include:
- Poor growth or difficulty feeding
- Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the lips and skin)
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue during activity
- Frequent respiratory infections
If you or your child experience persistent shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting, it’s important to seek medical attention right away for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Causes of Heart Valve Issues
Heart valve disease can be caused by factors including congenital conditions, infections and age-related degeneration. You’re more likely to develop a heart valve disease if you’re over 65, have other heart problems, are overweight, diabetic or sedentary, or if you have a family history of heart disease.
Common causes of heart valve disease include:
- Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with abnormally shaped or missing heart valves, leading to early valve problems.
- Aging and calcium buildup: Over time, valves can become stiff and thickened due to calcium deposits, leading to stenosis.
- Rheumatic fever: A complication of untreated strep throat, rheumatic heart disease can cause scarring and damage to heart valves.
- Endocarditis: Endocarditis is a bacterial infection that inflames the heart’s inner lining, potentially damaging valves.
- High blood pressure and heart disease: These issues can increase stress on the heart and contribute to valve deterioration.
- Radiation therapy: Previous radiation treatment to the chest can lead to long-term valve damage.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Early diagnosis and treatment for valve diseases can often significantly improve quality of life and long-term heart health. A cardiologist uses imaging and diagnostic tests to determine the type and severity of heart valve disease and recommend appropriate treatments.
Diagnostic Tests
- Echocardiogram (Echo): A primary test that uses ultrasound to assess valve structure and function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity to detect irregular rhythms.
- Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the heart and valves.
- Cardiac catheterization Involves inserting a thin tube into the heart to assess blood flow and valve function.
Treatment Options for Valve Diseases
The best treatment for health valve disease depends on the type and severity. Treatments may include:
Medications:
- Certain medications may be used to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Common medications for this purpose include beta-blockers, diuretics and blood thinners, which can help manage blood pressure, blood clots and other risk factors.
Valve Repair or Valve Replacement:
- Valve Repair: Some valves can be surgically repaired rather than replaced. This is often done for mitral valve prolapse or tricuspid regurgitation.
- Valve Replacement: When repair is not possible, the damaged valve may need to be replaced with either a mechanical valve or a biological valve (from a pig, cow or human donor).
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Options like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) allow for valve replacement without open-heart surgery.
If you experience signs or symptoms of heart valve disease, it’s important to speak with a specialist. The Stony Brook Heart Institute offers advanced diagnostic tools and treatments, including minimally invasive valve repair and replacement procedures. For more information, visit heart.stonybrookmedicine.edu.
To schedule an evaluation with our valve disease specialists, call the Stony Brook Valve Center at (631) 638-2101. To learn more about Stony Brook Heart Institute and its many services, or for physician referrals and appointment scheduling, call (631) 44-HEART (444-3278).
