Heart Valve Disease is a condition that affects one or more of the heart’s four valves, impairing their ability to properly regulate blood flow within the heart. These valves—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary—function like doors, opening and closing with every heartbeat to ensure blood moves in the right direction. When these valves do not open fully (stenosis) or close properly (regurgitation or insufficiency), it can disrupt the flow of blood and force the heart to work harder, potentially leading to heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and modern treatment options, most people with heart valve disease can manage their condition effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

Heart Valve Disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves become damaged or diseased, affecting how blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body. Each valve has flaps (leaflets or cusps) that should open completely and close tightly during each heartbeat. When valves don’t work correctly, blood flow becomes inefficient, which can reduce oxygen delivery to vital organs and increase strain on the heart muscle.

Heart valve disease affects millions of people globally and is increasingly common among older adults. According to the American Heart Association, more than 5 million people are diagnosed with heart valve disease annually. It often goes undetected in its early stages because symptoms may be mild or absent.

In India, the burden is significant due to both rheumatic heart disease (which stems from untreated strep infections) and age-related degenerative valve conditions. Improvements in echocardiography and awareness have increased detection rates in recent years.

Each of the heart’s four valves can be affected in different ways. The main types of valve dysfunction include:

1. Stenosis
   
   
   • The valve does not open fully, restricting blood flow.
   • Common types: Aortic stenosis, Mitral stenosis.
2. Regurgitation (Insufficiency or Incompetence)
   
   
   • The valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward.
   • Common types: Mitral regurgitation, Aortic regurgitation.
3. Prolapse
   
   • One or both leaflets bulge back into the chamber, potentially causing regurgitation.
   • Most commonly affects the mitral valve.
4. Congenital Valve Disease

• Present at birth, such as a bicuspid aortic valve (having two flaps instead of three).
   

Heart valve disease can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. Common causes include:

• Rheumatic fever – A complication of untreated strep throat.
• Age-related degeneration – Calcium deposits can stiffen valve flaps.
• Endocarditis – Infection of the heart lining or valves.
• Congenital defects – Malformed valves from birth.
• Heart attacks – May damage the muscles that support valve function.
• Radiation therapy – Especially to the chest.
• Autoimmune diseases – Like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
   

Symptoms may develop slowly and go unnoticed until the disease becomes severe. Common signs include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or lying down
• Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
• Chest pain or pressure
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Heart murmur, detectable by a doctor via stethoscope

In severe cases, untreated valve disease can lead to heart failure, stroke, or sudden death.

Heart valve disease is usually diagnosed using a combination of:

1. Physical Examination
   
   • Doctors listen for heart murmurs, which can indicate valve issues.
      
2. Echocardiogram (Echo)
   
   • Ultrasound of the heart; the most definitive test for valve structure and function.
      
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
   
   • Detects irregular rhythms that may arise from valve damage
      
4. Chest X-ray
   
   • Shows an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs.
      
5. Cardiac MRI or CT Scan
   
   • Provides detailed images of heart anatomy.
      
6. Cardiac Catheterization
    

• Assesses the pressure and blood flow in heart chambers and across valves.
   

Treatment depends on the type and severity of valve damage. It ranges from regular monitoring to surgery.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

• Follow a heart-healthy diet (low salt, low fat).
• Regular exercise under medical supervision.
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol.
• Manage stress and get adequate sleep.

2. Medications

• Diuretics – Reduce fluid buildup and ease heart workload.
• Beta-blockers – Slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure.
• ACE inhibitors/ARBs – Lower blood pressure and help prevent heart failure. You can consider some of the best brands such as Angiopril 25 mg tablet and Aceten 25 mg tablet.
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) – Prevent blood clots, especially in people with atrial fibrillation or mechanical valves.
• Anti-arrhythmics – Manage irregular heart rhythms.

Note: Medications do not cure valve disease but can manage symptoms and slow progression.

3. Surgical & Interventional Procedures

• Valve Repair – Surgeon modifies existing valve to restore normal function.
• Valve Replacement – Replaces diseased valve with a mechanical or biological one.
  
  • Mechanical valves: Long-lasting but require lifelong anticoagulation.
  • Biological valves: Made from animal tissue; no need for blood thinners but may wear out sooner.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) – Minimally invasive option for high-risk patients with aortic stenosis.

While not a substitute for medical or surgical care, complementary approaches may support heart health:

• Yoga and breathing exercises to improve circulation and reduce stress.
• Herbal supplements like hawthorn or arjuna (consult a doctor first).
• Nutritional supplements such as Coenzyme Q10 or magnesium.
  
   

You may be at higher risk of developing valve disease if you:

• Are over the age of 60
• Have had rheumatic fever or infective endocarditis
• Have congenital heart defects
• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Have a history of heart attack or heart failure
• Are exposed to radiation therapy to the chest
• Use intravenous drugs (higher risk of infection)
   

If untreated, heart valve disease can lead to:

• Heart failure
• Stroke or blood clots
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• Endocarditis
• Sudden cardiac death
   

• Take medications as prescribed and never skip doses.
• Monitor for new or worsening symptoms.
• Stay physically active but avoid overexertion.
• Maintain a low-sodium, heart-friendly diet.
• Keep all follow-up appointments and undergo routine echocardiograms.
• Consider wearing a medical ID if you have a mechanical valve or are on blood thinners.
   

• “Heart valve disease only affects the elderly.”
  ➝ False. It can affect children (especially from rheumatic fever) and young adults with congenital issues.
  
   
• “If I don’t feel sick, I don’t need treatment.”
  ➝ False. Valve disease can progress silently and lead to sudden complications.
  
   
• “Valve replacement means a short life.”
  ➝ False. Many people live full, active lives after surgery.
  
   
• “Mechanical valves are always better.”
  ➝ Not always. Choice depends on age, lifestyle, and medical history.
  
   
• “Exercise worsens valve disease.”
  ➝ Supervised exercise is generally encouraged and helps improve cardiac function.
  
   

You should consult a doctor if you experience:

• Unexplained chest pain or palpitations
• Shortness of breath with minimal activity
• Swelling in your legs or abdomen
• Dizziness or fainting
• A new or worsening heart murmur
• Immediate medical attention is needed if you suspect heart failure or stroke symptoms.

• What type of valve disease do I have, and how severe is it?
• Do I need surgery, or can it be managed with medication?
• What lifestyle changes will help improve my condition?
• Will I need to take blood thinners?
• What follow-up tests will I require?
• Are there risks of infection, and how can I prevent them?
• Can I travel or engage in physical activity safely?
   

• Encourage adherence to treatment and medication schedules.
• Be supportive during recovery after surgery or TAVR.
• Educate yourself about warning signs and complications.
• Help them maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Attend appointments or cardiac rehab sessions if needed.
   

Heart Valve Disease, though potentially serious, is highly manageable with early detection, appropriate medical treatment, and in some cases, surgery. Advances in diagnostics and minimally invasive procedures have dramatically improved outcomes. A proactive approach to heart health—through regular monitoring, healthy living, and expert care—can allow individuals with valve disease to lead long and fulfilling lives.