Condition5 min read

Heart valve disease

Organ or systemHeartOrgan

Detail level

Heart valve disease means a problem with one or more of the heart's four valves that keep blood flowing the right way: a valve may be too narrow or may leak. It ranges from no symptoms to needing treatment.

The NHLBI defines valve disease as problems affecting one or more of the four heart valves. The types mentioned: stenosis (narrowed valve), regurgitation (leaking valve), and atresia (absence of the normal opening). Among the first symptoms is severe tiredness, and there may be fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations.

The NHS states that valve problems may be found by chance when a heart murmur is heard, and that diagnosis includes listening to the heart, echocardiography, a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram. Mild cases are monitored, and cases with symptoms are treated with medicines (ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, anticoagulants) and/or surgical valve repair or replacement. Complications include rhythm disturbance, heart failure, clots and endocarditis.

In one minute¹²

What is it?: A problem with one or more of the four heart valves.
Who is usually affected?: People born with a valve defect, older people, and people with previous infections (rheumatic fever, endocarditis) or a previous heart attack.
Acute or chronic?: Ranges from no symptoms to progression needing surgery.
Main symptoms: Tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, palpitations, chest pain, swollen ankles.
Red flags?: Yes: severe shortness of breath, or chest pain with shortness of breath.
Preventable?: Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol and avoiding smoking, and treating streptococcal sore throat when needed.

What is it?

Valve diseases are problems affecting one or more of the four heart valves, which open and close with each heartbeat to keep blood flowing in the right direction (NHLBI).

The types mentioned: stenosis (narrowed valve), regurgitation (leaking valve), and atresia (no normal opening) (NHLBI).

Causes

Causes differ from person to person: a person may be born with a valve problem, or it may appear with advancing age or because of infection (NHLBI).

The NHS mentions: congenital heart defects, age-related changes (especially with smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol), rheumatic fever, cardiomyopathy, endocarditis, and damage from a previous heart attack.

Symptoms

Severe tiredness is often the first symptom, and there may be fainting or loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations (a feeling of skipping, fluttering or a strong or fast heartbeat) (NHLBI).

The NHS adds dizziness and swollen ankles and feet, and states that some people have no symptoms and the condition is found by hearing a heart murmur.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor may assess symptoms and listen to the heart or request imaging tests (NHLBI). The NHS mentions listening with a stethoscope, echocardiography, a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram, with possible referral to a cardiologist. In newborns, valve problems can be detected by screening tests.

Treatment

The treatment categories usually used are listed here; this is not a prescription. The doctor chooses the plan according to each person's condition; do not change any medicine or dose without a specialist.

Medicines may treat symptoms or prevent the condition from worsening, and the doctor may recommend surgery or another procedure to repair or replace the damaged valve (NHLBI).

The NHS states that mild or symptom-free cases are only monitored, and that severe cases are treated with medicines (ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, anticoagulants) and/or repair or replacement surgery. No doses are given.

Complications

Without treatment they may lead to heart rhythm disturbance, infection, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and cardiac arrest (NHLBI). The NHS adds atrial fibrillation, clots and endocarditis.

When do you need urgent help?

Call emergency services now 998

Severe shortness of breath (choking, gasping or inability to speak), or sudden chest pain spreading to the arms, back, neck or jaw, or chest pain with shortness of breath or palpitations: call an ambulance.²

See your doctor within days

Repeated shortness of breath, or tiredness and dizziness during ordinary activities, or palpitations that recur or increase, or swollen ankles, or intermittent chest pain: see a doctor.²

Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.

Common questions

Does every valve disease need surgery?

No. The NHS states that mild or symptom-free cases need monitoring only, and that surgery or medicines are for cases with symptoms or severe ones.²

Questions for your doctor

Which valve is affected, and what type of problem is it (narrowing or leaking)?
Do I need an echocardiogram and regular follow-up?
Do I need surgery or a procedure?
Which symptoms call for urgent review?

References

1
NHLBI / NIH. Heart Valve Diseases. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-valve-diseases
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-04
2
NHS. Heart valve disease. www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-valve-disease/
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06

Review status: Edited content · Last updated: 2026-10-06

Change log

2026-10-06 — Page created.