Heart valve diseases occur when one or more of the heart's four valves do not function normally. These valves open and close to maintain the proper direction of blood flow through the chambers of the heart.
A valve may become narrowed, a condition known as stenosis, making it difficult for blood to pass through. Alternatively, a valve may not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward, known as regurgitation. Valve disease can develop due to age-related changes, infections, congenital abnormalities, rheumatic heart disease, or other heart conditions.
Symptoms depend on the affected valve and the severity of the disease. They may include breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness, palpitations, or swelling of the legs and feet. Some valve conditions remain mild and only require regular monitoring, while more advanced disease may require medicines, catheter-based procedures, or valve repair or replacement.
