Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves do not function properly.
This can lead to problems with inefficient blood flow through the heart.
The heart has four valves: the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. Each plays a critical role in blood circulation.
What is the role of the heart valves?
The four heart valves play a critical role in the organ’s function by regulating blood flow through the heart and preventing blood from flowing the wrong way.
The heart consists of four chambers, two upper atria and two lower ventricles. Two valves — a one-way inlet valve and a one-way outlet valve — are located in each ventricle (lower heart chamber).
Right ventricle
The tricuspid valve is the inlet valve, receiving blood from the right atrium.
The pulmonary valve is the outlet valve, sending blood to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries.
Left ventricle
The mitral valve is the inlet valve, receiving oxygenated blood from the left atrium from the lungs.
The aortic valve is the outlet valve, which opens into the aorta.
Types of valve disorders
Each heart valve has a set of flaps that open and close fully when they work properly.
Some people are born with abnormal heart valves, which don’t open as they should.
Others develop valve disease from infections such as rheumatic fever and infective endocarditis, coronary heart disease, aging or other diseases such as Marfan syndrome.
Different types of valve disease include:
- Stenosis: Stenosis occurs when a valve does not open fully, restricting blood flow. This can lead to fatigue, chest pain, and other symptoms.
- Regurgitation: Regurgitation, or insufficiency, happens when a valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward. This can cause the heart to work harder and lead to heart failure.
- Prolapse: Prolapse occurs when the valve leaflets bulge or prolapse into the heart chamber, sometimes causing regurgitation. For example, mitral valve prolapse is a common condition where the mitral valve does not close tightly.
- Atresia: Atresia is a condition present at birth where a valve does not form correctly, which may severely restrict blood flow.
Cardiac surgeons at WashU Medicine
Heart surgeons at WashU Medicine see patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the nation for heart and vascular care, as well as convenient locations across the region.
Risk factors
Several factors increase the risk of developing heart valve disease.
Risk factors include:
- Aging
- Certain infections
- Heart conditions
- Congenital heart defects
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- History of rheumatic fever or endocarditis
Screening and diagnosis
If heart valve disease is suspected, tests such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECG), chest X-rays, and sometimes cardiac catheterization may be utilized to diagnose the condition and assess its severity.
These screenings include:
- Echocardiogram: An imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to create detailed pictures of the heart’s structure and function, particularly the heart valves.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test that records the electrical activity of the heart to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm and structure.
- Chest X-ray: An imaging test that provides a picture of the heart, lungs, and chest bones to identify heart enlargement and other abnormalities.
- Cardiac catheterization: A procedure where a thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart to measure pressure and visualize the heart and coronary arteries.
Treatment options
Treatment for heart valve disease depends on the severity of the condition.
Mild cases might only require regular monitoring.
In more severe cases, medications, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions may be necessary.
Medications
Medications such as beta-blockers, diuretics, and anticoagulants help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Get a second opinion
Our Heart Second Opinion Program was created for patients diagnosed with any heart condition, or for patients who have been told they need a heart-related surgical procedure.
Surgical procedures
Valve repair or replacement surgery may be required if the condition is severe.
Valves can be repaired through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Replacement involves using mechanical or biological valves.
Learn more about mitral valve repair >>
Potential complications
Ignoring heart valve disease can lead to severe complications, including heart failure, stroke, blood clots, and arrhythmias.
Early detection and management are crucial for avoiding these risks. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Recovery and rehabilitation
After surgery, patients typically undergo rehabilitation, which includes physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up appointments to monitor heart health.
It is important to adhere strictly to prescribed medications and attend regular check-ups.
