Heart Valve Disorders: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Learn about heart valve disorders, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and available treatments for optimal heart health.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Learn about heart valve disorders, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and available treatments for optimal heart health.

Heart Valve Disorders: Everything You Need to Know

Heart valve disorders—or heart valve disease—refer to a class of conditions in which one or more of the heart’s valves do not function properly. This can disturb blood flow and put extra strain on the heart, leading to significant cardiovascular risks if left untreated. Understanding heart valve disease is vital for early detection, effective management, and prevention of complications.

Overview of Heart Valves

The human heart contains four valves that regulate blood flow:

Aortic valve
Mitral valve
Pulmonary valve
Tricuspid valve

Each valve opens and closes with every heartbeat, ensuring that blood moves efficiently through the heart and to the rest of the body. If these valves fail to open or close properly, a variety of valve disorders can result, impacting heart function and overall health.

Types of Heart Valve Disorders

Heart valve disease can affect any of the four valves and is categorized by how the valve malfunctions. The three most common types are:

Stenosis: The valve opening is narrowed or stiff, restricting blood flow and requiring the heart to work harder to move blood through the valve.
Regurgitation (Insufficiency/Leaking): The valve does not close fully, causing blood to leak backward and reducing the efficiency of blood circulation.
Atresia: The valve doesn’t form correctly and lacks an opening for blood flow—this is a congenital defect usually present from birth.

Common Types by Valve

Valve	Disorder Type	Description
Aortic valve	Aortic stenosis, regurgitation	Narrowing or leaking; impacts blood flow from heart to body.
Mitral valve	Prolapse, regurgitation, stenosis	Valve leaflets bulge (prolapse) or leak backward (regurgitation) into left atrium.
Pulmonary valve	Stenosis	Narrowing impacts flow from heart to lungs.
Tricuspid valve	Regurgitation, stenosis	Leaking or narrowing affecting right atrium and ventricle.

Causes of Heart Valve Disorders

A variety of factors can lead to heart valve disease.

Congenital defects: Malformations from birth may result in atresia or valves that are too narrow or leaky.
Age-related degeneration: Valves may become thicker, stiffer, or calcified over time, resulting in stenosis, most notably aortic stenosis in older adults.
Infections: Conditions such as endocarditis or rheumatic fever can damage valve tissue, causing scarring and dysfunction.
Heart disease: Previous heart attacks, heart failure, or other cardiovascular conditions can directly or indirectly affect valve function.
Autoimmune diseases: Disorders like lupus can lead to valve inflammation and damage.
Radiation or chemotherapy: Cancer treatments may contribute to valve deterioration.
Other risk factors: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity increase the risk of heart valve disease.

Risk Factors

Older age (especially over 65 years—stenosis and degeneration become more common).
Family history of heart valve disorders or heart disease.
History of rheumatic fever or endocarditis.
Certain congenital conditions.
Lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease symptoms can develop rapidly or over years. Sometimes, mild valve issues may not cause any noticeable symptoms for a long time. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Shortness of breath (especially during physical activity or when lying flat)
Fatigue (reduced ability to exercise)
Chest pain or discomfort
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Swelling in ankles, feet, or abdomen (signs of heart failure)
Dizziness or fainting
Migraine headaches
Rapid weight gain (due to fluid retention)
Swelling around eyes (in severe cases)

Symptoms in Children

Poor growth or difficulty feeding
Cyanosis (bluish tint to lips/skin)
Rapid or difficult breathing
Fatigue during activity
Frequent respiratory infections

Emergency symptoms include persistent shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting; these warrant immediate medical attention.

Complications of Heart Valve Disease

Heart failure: The heart’s reduced ability to pump effectively may lead to fluid buildup and failure.
Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats due to electrical changes and structural issues.
Stroke: Higher risk due to clots forming around damaged valves.
Blood clots: Formation in the heart that can travel to lungs (pulmonary embolism) or brain (stroke).
Enlargement of the heart chambers: Due to extra workload the heart must perform.

Diagnosis: How Are Heart Valve Disorders Identified?

Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Diagnostic methods include:

Physical examination: Doctor listens for murmurs or abnormal heart sounds.
Medical history review: Family history, risk factors, and symptom assessment.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Detects electrical activity and arrhythmias.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound that visualizes valve motion and blood flow.
Chest X-ray: Reveals heart enlargement or fluid in lungs.
Cardiac MRI and CT scan: Detailed heart structure images.
Cardiac catheterization: Measures pressure and examines valves directly.
Stress testing: Assesses heart function under physical stress.

Treatment Options for Heart Valve Diseases

Treatment depends on the specific valve affected, severity, symptoms, and underlying cause. Goals are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and restore normal heart function.

Medication

Diuretics: Reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors: Manage blood pressure and improve heart efficiency.
Blood thinners: Prevent clots, especially in arrhythmia cases.
Antiarrhythmics: Control irregular heartbeat.

Surgical and Procedural Interventions

Valve repair: Restores function by reshaping or reconnecting valve tissue.
Valve replacement: Damaged valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological prosthesis.
Balloon valvuloplasty: A catheter with a balloon widens narrowed valves (especially in stenosis).
Transcatheter valve repair/replacement (TAVR): Less invasive procedure, particularly for aortic stenosis.

Surgical intervention may be recommended for severe cases not responding to medication or when there is a high risk of heart failure.

Prevention and Management

Not all heart valve diseases are preventable, especially congenital ones. However, strategies to lower risk and reduce complications include:

Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
Quitting smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes)
Avoiding recreational drugs that harm the heart
Treating infections promptly
Regular medical checkups

Living with Heart Valve Disease

Many people live active lives with mild heart valve disorders. Severe cases may require ongoing treatment and lifestyle changes. It is crucial to follow medical advice, keep all healthcare appointments, and monitor changes in symptoms. Most people with diagnosed heart valve disease respond well to modern treatments and can maintain good quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the most common heart valve disease?

A: The most commonly affected valves are the mitral and aortic valves, with conditions like mitral valve prolapse, regurgitation, and aortic stenosis being prevalent.

Q: Can heart valve disease be cured?

A: Many cases can be managed effectively with medication or surgery, but some forms may require ongoing care. Early diagnosis improves prognosis.

Q: Are heart valve disorders hereditary?

A: Family history is a significant risk factor; genetics can influence susceptibility, especially for congenital and some age-related disorders.

Q: When should I see a doctor?

A: If you experience new, severe, or persistent symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek medical attention promptly.

Q: What are the long-term complications?

A: Untreated valve disease can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and significant disability.

Conclusion

Heart valve disorders are complex but manageable conditions that can impact quality of life and cardiovascular health. With prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle management, individuals with heart valve disease can achieve optimal outcomes and prevent serious complications. Stay informed, attend regular checkups, and discuss any symptoms with your healthcare provider to ensure your heart remains healthy.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete