Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease, also called valvular heart disease, occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves do not function correctly.

The heart has four valves: mitral, aortic, tricuspid and pulmonary. Heart valves control and maintain the flow of blood through the heart and the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Each of the heart’s four valves has tissue leaflets or “flaps” that open and close with each heartbeat. The opening and closing of the valves keeps a healthy amount of blood flowing in the correct direction to supply the body’s needs. When the valves do not open or close correctly, or when the valves are narrowed or obstructed, the blood flow is disrupted.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with heart valve disease each year. Problems with the heart valves can lead to many other complications including blood clots, heart failure, stroke and death.

Valvular disease can occur in any of the four heart valves:

• Mitral valve disease
• Aortic valve disease
• Tricuspid valve disease
• Pulmonary valve disease

The two main types of heart valve disease are regurgitation and stenosis.

Heart valve regurgitation

Also called backflow, regurgitation occurs when a heart valve does not close tightly. Because the valve stays open, the blood flows back into the other heart chambers instead of flowing forward through the heart to reach the rest of the body. If left untreated, regurgitation can lead to an enlargement of the left ventricular pumping chamber, and the heart may become unable to pump efficiently. Regurgitation is frequently caused by valvular prolapse, damage to the heart valve, an infection of the valve or enlargement of the aorta.

Heart valve stenosis

Stenosis occurs when the leaflets of a valve thicken, stiffen or fuse together, preventing the heart valve from fully opening. When this happens, blood flow through the valve is restricted.

Valve problems may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (appear later in life).

Congenital Heart Valve Disease

This type of disease occurs when a valve does not form properly; the defect is present at birth. The valve may not have enough tissue flaps, or they may be the wrong size or shape. Sometimes a valve does not have an opening for the blood to pass through, which is a condition called atresia.

Acquired Heart Valve Disease 

This type of disease occurs later in life, usually as a result of an infection, heart attack, heart disease or other heart damage.

Sometimes heart valve disease produces significant symptoms. However, it may not produce any symptoms at all, or the symptoms may be mild. Patients who experience valvular-disease symptoms may suffer from:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid weight gain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart murmur
• Swelling of the legs, feet or abdomen

Patients with certain conditions may be at an increased risk of developing heart valve disease:

• Congenital heart condition
• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• History of infections that affect the heart

Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices may help prevent cardiovascular conditions that could lead to heart valve disease. While it is not always possible to prevent valvular disease, actions like eating a healthy diet including vegetables and lean protein, maintaining a healthy weight and staying current with preventive health care exams can help.

Seeing a health care provider for regular checkups can help identify valvular disease in its early stages, before heart damage occurs. If practitioners hear heart-valve abnormalities through a stethoscope, they may recommend additional testing that can include:

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac CT
• Cardiac stress test

Treatment depends on which heart valve is affected, the type of valve disease and the severity of the disease. Some patients with mild, asymptomatic valvular disease may not need treatment. Instead, regular checkups may be recommended.

When heart valve treatment is needed, it may include medication, minimally invasive therapeutics, valve repair or valve replacement.

Learn more about heart valve disease treatment options here.

The heart and vascular specialists affiliated with Memorial Hermann are on the leading edge of research and innovation. Our teams are dedicated to diagnosing, treating and managing a wide range of cardiac conditions with a patient-centered approach and are committed to a comprehensive style of care to optimize outcomes.

As proof of our commitment to quality of care, the Transcatheter Valve Therapy (TVT) Registry, a combined effort of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Cardiology, has awarded Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center a three-star designation, the highest award possible, for achievements in quality, safety and outcomes for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Memorial Hermann is the only three-star TAVR program in the state of Texas, and one of only a few in the country.