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Heart valve illnesses are diseases of one or more valves of the heart. The heart has four valves – mitral, aortic, tricuspid and pulmonary valves. The valves control the flow of blood through the heart in the correct direction. If a valve narrows (stenosis), leaks (regurgitation), or does not seal correctly (prolapse), the heart has to work harder to pump blood effectively.

The main causes of heart valve disease are age-related degeneration, congenital cardiac abnormalities, rheumatic fever, infections including endocarditis, and calcium build-up in the valves. Symptoms can develop slowly and may include shortness of breath, exhaustion, chest pain, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, swelling ankles or fainting. In mild situations, people may be asymptomatic for years.
Diagnosis sometimes requires a physical exam, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray and sometimes cardiac MRI or CT studies. Treatment is determined by the severity of the condition and may involve drugs to control symptoms, regular monitoring of the condition, minimally invasive catheter-based procedures, or surgical valve repair or replacement. An early diagnosis and prompt treatment can greatly improve heart function, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of consequences such as heart failure, stroke or life-threatening arrhythmias. Long term, you need to have regular follow-ups with a cardiologist for your heart health.