Valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease occurs when any of your heart’s four valves are damaged.


In the vast majority of cases it is a type of chronic heart disease (i.e. it has progressed over a number of years) although in a small number of people it may be classed as acute(i.e. sudden – over a short period of time)if it result from infection or complications following a heart attack.
The valves of the heart open and close in sequence in order to pump your blood around your body. If one is damaged then the heart has to work harder to compensate.
The two normal problems with the vales are that they either become narrow (stenosis), reducing blood flow or they do not close properly allowing some blood to be pumped in the wrong direction (insufficiency, incompetency, or regurgitation)
Both types of defects reduce blood flow and therefore oxygen supply resulting in you feeling weak and tired.

Depending which valve(s) are affected you will also either notice swelling of your feet and ankles or problems breathing due to congestion of your lungs.
Treatment depends on the severity of the problem.
Many people continue to lead normal live without any treatment, however if the damage is severe then the valves, can be replaced.