Types of Valvular Heart Disease

There are four valves in the heart - the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic. These valves open and close to make sure blood gets to your heart, lungs and the rest of your body in the right way.

Each valve has flaps that open and close to control the flow of blood. Valve malfunctions may lead to abnormal blood flow and strain on your heart, which can cause symptoms and problems.

Regurgitation

When the flaps on a valve don't close tightly, they can leak blood backward through the valve between beats of your heart. This is called regurgitation, and it affects the tricuspid, pulmonary, and mitral valves.

Stenosis

Stenosis is a condition in which the flaps of the valve become thick or stiff and prevent them from opening all the way. This can occur with age or with certain medical conditions such as infective endocarditis, rheumatic fever, and coronary artery disease.

Symptoms and Treatment

The symptoms of a valve problem vary from person to person. The most common are shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. Some symptoms can also include swelling, fluid buildup and a swollen abdomen or feet and ankles.

Medications and Surgery

If your symptoms are mild to moderate, medications can usually relieve the problem. Your doctor will discuss the medication options with you and decide which is best for your situation.

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace your valves. Personal medical alarms Your surgeon can use either a biological (from a cow, pig or human cadaver) or mechanical replacement for your damaged valve.