Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves do not open or close properly, affecting normal blood flow through the heart. Valves may become narrowed, leaky, or fail to close completely, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. The condition can be present at birth or develop over time due to aging, infections, or other medical conditions.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart valve disease vary depending on the affected valve and severity. Some people may not notice symptoms in early stages, while others may experience:

• Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down

• Fatigue or weakness

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

• Dizziness or fainting
  Symptoms often worsen as the condition progresses.

Causes

Heart valve disease can develop from several causes. Common causes include age-related valve degeneration, rheumatic fever, congenital heart defects, and infections such as endocarditis. Other contributing factors include heart attacks, radiation therapy to the chest, and connective tissue disorders that affect valve structure and function.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of developing heart valve disease. These include older age, a history of rheumatic fever, congenital heart abnormalities, previous heart infections, and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Lifestyle factors like smoking and poor cardiovascular health may also increase risk.

Complications

If left untreated, heart valve disease can lead to serious complications. These may include heart failure, blood clots, stroke, and life-threatening heart rhythm disorders. Severe valve dysfunction can also cause irreversible damage to the heart muscle over time, reducing overall heart function.

Prevention

While not all cases can be prevented, the risk of heart valve disease can be reduced by maintaining good heart health. Preventive steps include managing blood pressure, treating infections promptly, practicing good dental hygiene to reduce infection risk, avoiding smoking, and following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Regular medical checkups help detect valve problems early and prevent complications.