What Are Heart Valves?
Your heart has four valves that ensure blood flows in the correct direction:
- Mitral valve
- Aortic valve
- Tricuspid valve
- Pulmonary valve
Common Types of Valve Disease
Valve Stenosis
- Narrowing of valve opening
- Restricts blood flow
- Common in aortic and mitral valves
Valve Regurgitation
- Valve doesn't close properly
- Blood leaks backward
- Can affect any valve
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling in ankles and feet
Risk Factors
- Age (65+)
- Previous heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Family history
- Rheumatic fever
Diagnosis Methods
- Physical examination
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac catheterization
- CT scan
- MRI
Treatment Options
Medication Management
- Blood thinners
- Beta blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Diuretics
Surgical Options
- Valve repair
- Valve replacement
- Minimally invasive procedures
- TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)
Living with Valve Disease
Lifestyle Modifications
- Regular exercise as tolerated
- Heart-healthy diet
- Smoking cessation
- Stress management
Monitoring
- Regular medical check-ups
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Symptom tracking
- Medication compliance
When to Seek Emergency Care
- Severe chest pain
- Fainting
- Severe shortness of breath
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Prevention Tips
- Control blood pressure
- Manage cholesterol
- Regular dental care
- Antibiotic prophylaxis when recommended
Support Resources
- American Heart Association
- Local support groups
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs
- Online patient communities