Valvular heart disease refers to any of several conditions that prevent one or more of the valves in the heart from working properly and maintaining proper circulation. If left untreated, heart valve disease can be life-threatening and impair quality of life. Often, heart valves can be surgically repaired or replaced to restore normal function and return to normal activity.

 What is heart valve disease?

There are four valves in your heart. These are the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve. The valve only allows blood to flow in one direction from the heart.

 closed heart valve

 The valve consists of a small flap of tissue called a leaflet. The leaflets open in half the heartbeat to allow blood to flow towards the heart and close in the other half to prevent the backflow of blood. The leaflets of the two valves (mitral and tricuspid) have strips of tough, fibrous tissue called chordate tendineae that connect the valves to the muscles (papillary muscles) in the walls of the ventricles. The chordae tendineae and papillary muscles hold the lobules steady against blood reflux.

 Valvular heart disease occurs when the heart valves do not work properly. Common causes of valve disease include rheumatic fever, birth defects, degeneration over time, and infections. This can be caused by valve stenosis or valve regurgitation.

 How do I know if I have heart valve disease symptoms?

Some people are asymptomatic, but they may still have valve problems that require treatment.

 Some people suddenly have very obvious symptoms. If the condition is severe, valvular disease symptoms can also develop very quickly.

 In some people, the disease progresses so slowly that the heart can over time replenish, making the symptoms less noticeable.

 However, the risk and harm can still be significant, so education and awareness of possible causes of the gradual onset of symptoms are important for patients at risk.

 Some physical signs of valvular heart disease include:

•  Chest pain or palpitations (rapid rhythm or skipping)
•  Shortness of breath, shortness of breath, tiredness, weakness, or inability to maintain normal activity levels
•  dizziness or fainting
•  Swelling in the ankles, feet, and abdomen
•  Symptoms do not necessarily determine the severity of a person's valve problems.

 Valve problems can be serious even in the absence of symptoms. Also, valve problems are not significant in terms of leakage but are caused by unpleasant symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor whenever you notice new or irregular symptoms that may be related to your condition.