Heart valves help move blood efficiently, making them crucial to the function of the heart. Diseases that affect heart valves can lead to serious medical conditions, including heart failure. Here is what happens when heart valves fail to function correctly.
The heart contains four valves:
Each valve has a flap, which opens and closes to regulate the flow of blood through the heart. In some cases, the valve does not close completely, which causes regurgitation, or backwards leakage of blood. The opening of the valve can also become smaller over time, which is known as stenosis.
With regurgitation, less blood progresses through the heart, while the backwards flowing blood can accumulate in certain areas. Conversely, stenosis can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can damage the heart over time.
Some people experience congenital defects that impact the development of heart valves, which can cause problems with blood flow. In other cases, the issue may result from a medical condition like untreated high blood pressure or a previous heart attack.
Infections can also play a role in the condition. Rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat, can damage the heart valve. Issues can also result from infective endocarditis, which is a bacterial infection that impacts the lining inside heart valves and chambers.
Treatment of heart valve dysfunction typically involves the following:
It is also important that you follow up with your doctor as needed. Heart valve disease can become progressively worse, and early intervention is key to managing symptoms and avoiding worsening effects.