Reviewed 11/9/2022
Heart valve disease: An overview
Heart valve disease happens when one or more of the heart's four valves isn't working right.
Some people have heart valve disease that remains stable throughout their life and doesn't cause problems. But, for others, the problem slowly worsens. Left untreated, later-stage heart valve disease can lead to heart failure, stroke, blood clots or death due to sudden cardiac arrest.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the different types of heart valve disease.
HOW YOUR HEART VALVES WORK:
Your blood is supposed to flow one way through your heart. It enters through the top chambers, flows down to the bottom chambers and out to the rest of your body. This happens with every heartbeat. The heart valves are like gates that direct the traffic. They open—and quickly close—to let the blood keep flowing forward to its next destination.
Heart valve disease can stop that from happening.
The two main problems that can happen when heart valves are diseased or damaged are regurgitation and stenosis. It's possible for a valve to have both of these problems.
REGURGITATION (BACKFLOW):
This occurs when a valve doesn't close tightly. Blood leaks back into the chambers instead of flowing forward through or out of the heart. The heart has to work harder to pump the backflow. Over time, this can cause the overworked heart muscle to thicken. Backflow can also cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs.
STENOSIS:
Stenosis occurs when the flaps of a valve thicken, stiffen or fuse together. Stenosis can prevent a heart valve from opening all the way, which leads to not enough blood flowing through the valve.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEART VALVE DISEASE:
Many people have heart valve disease without any symptoms.
When signs and symptoms occur, they commonly include:
- A heart murmur or unusual heartbeat. This is the main sign of heart valve disease.
- Shortness of breath during activity or when lying down.
- Extreme exhaustion or weakness.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Fluttering or racing heartbeat.
TREATING HEART VALVE DISEASE:
No medicines can cure heart valve disease. But medicines and lifestyle changes can treat many of its symptoms and complications. And if heart valve disease worsens, surgery to replace or repair the heart valve can be effective.
If you have heart valve disease, your doctor will be able to help you decide on the treatment plan that's right for you.
How does your heart work?
Learn more about the structure of your heart and how it works.
Sources: American College of Cardiology; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Keep a pulse on your health
Your health is our priority, and an essential part of helping you maintain a healthy body is making sure you have a healthy heart. At HGH, you can manage your heart health without having to travel. We offer a full spectrum of cardiac services to assist you in living a healthy lifestyle, regardless of the cardiac conditions you may be facing.
Cardiac services
Our cardiac services department is staffed by an experienced team of healthcare professionals with training and expertise encompassing all aspects of cardiac health. Their focus is ensuring their patients can improve and maintain their quality of life, even when facing cardiac conditions.
Our team is ready to address the majority of cardiac-related conditions you may face. Their expertise means they can offer a wide range of cardiac services, including:
- Routine cardiac care.
- EKGs.
- Echocardiograms.
- Loop recorders.
- Cardiac stress tests.
- Lexiscans.
- ABI testing (Ankle Brachial Index).
Not sure if you need cardiac care?
Knowing when to seek medical attention can feel confusing, but it shouldn't be. If you experience any of the following, you should seek medical care:
Seek emergency medical attention by calling 911 if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Chest discomfort.
- A squeezing sensation in the chest.
- Heaviness in the chest.
- Chest tightness.
- Chest pain.
Why you may need HGH cardiac services:
- A physician recommends cardiac care.
- History of heart pain.
- Family history of heart disease or cardiac conditions.
- High total cholesterol (cholesterol of 200 mg/dl or higher).
- High blood pressure.
- History of smoking.
- Diabetes.
- Gum disease.
Collaborative and personalized cardiac care
Because the health of your heart impacts the entire body, it takes a special healthcare methodology to manage cardiac conditions. The cardiac services team takes a collaborative approach to your care. They provide personalized care through communication and collaboration with the various interdisciplinary teams necessary to understand your healthcare conditions. This complete picture of your health helps us achieve the best possible outcome.