Valvular heart disease (VHD) refers to any disorder that affects one or more of the heart’s valves — mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary. These valves ensure one-way blood flow through the heart chambers. When damaged or diseased, they may not open or close properly, disrupting normal blood circulation. VHD can be congenital or acquired due to infections, age-related degeneration, or other heart conditions.
Diseased heart valves can restrict blood flow or cause backward leakage, leading to symptoms and reduced heart efficiency.
When heart valves do not function properly, blood circulation becomes inefficient. This can lead to breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, swelling, dizziness, and fainting, depending on the valve involved and severity of disease.
- Shortness of breath during activity or rest
- Fatigue and generalized weakness
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain or pressure
- Swelling of legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Dizziness or fainting episodes
Types of Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease is classified based on how the valve is affected.
Stenosis occurs when a valve does not open fully, restricting blood flow through the heart.
Regurgitation occurs when a valve does not close completely, causing blood to leak backward.
Atresia is a congenital condition in which a valve lacks an opening for blood to pass through.
Diagnosis includes physical examination, echocardiography (TTE or TEE), ECG, chest X-ray, cardiac MRI, and cardiac catheterization to assess severity and valve function.
Treatment includes medications, interventional procedures such as balloon valvuloplasty or TAVR, and surgical valve repair or replacement when needed.
Expert Valvular Heart Disease Management
Timely diagnosis, appropriate medical therapy, and advanced interventional or surgical treatment help restore valve function, improve symptoms, and enhance long-term heart health.
