Valvular Heart Disease

What is Valvular Heart Disease?

Valvular heart disease is a condition that occurs when the valves of the heart are not working properly.  It is commonly caused by valvular stenosis or valvular insufficiency.  The main function of the valves is to keep blood flowing in one direction through the chambers of the heart throughout each heart beat.  Valvular heart disease causes the heart muscle to work harder to circulate the accurate amount of blood through the body.  This condition can develop before birth or later on in life.

What is Valvular Stenosis? 

Valvular stenosis is when the tissue flaps of a valve become stiff and narrow, reducing the amount of blood flow through it.  If the valve becomes too narrow it can cause heart function to be reduced resulting in the rest of the body to be unable to receive a sufficient amount of blood flow. 

What is Valvular Insufficiency?

Valvular insufficiency is another condition that occurs when the tissue flaps of a heart valve do not close entirely allowing blood to leak a backflow, which is known as regurgitant flow. 

Depending on how severe the condition is, your cardiologist will choose the proper treatment specifically for you.  Eventually this problem will most likely require medication, medical procedures, or possibly surgery.  For most people their heart valve problem will continue to worsen over time and if left untreated it can cause heart failure, stroke, blood clots or sudden cardiac death.