Heart valve disease
Explanation
Heart valve disease means that one or more heart valves do not open or close properly, which can restrict blood flow or allow blood to leak backward.
What do heart valves do?
Heart valves open and close to keep blood moving in the right direction. A valve may become too narrow to open fully, which is called stenosis. A valve may also fail to close fully and leak, which is called regurgitation.
Does heart valve disease always cause symptoms?
No. Some people have mild valve disease and no symptoms. Others may have breathlessness, tiredness, dizziness, palpitations, chest discomfort, or swelling in the ankles and feet. These symptoms can have many causes and do not prove valve disease.
How is it assessed?
A clinician may hear a heart murmur and arrange tests. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to show the valves and heart. An electrocardiogram records the heart’s electrical activity, and a chest X-ray may provide other information.
What happens after diagnosis?
The next step depends on which valve is affected, whether it is narrowed or leaky, the severity, and whether symptoms are present. Mild disease may only need regular checks. More significant disease may need medicines, valve repair, or valve replacement.
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