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Heart Valve Diseases

Conditions arising when one or more of the four heart valves fail to open or close properly.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Heart Valve Diseases?

The heart has four valves — mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary — that ensure blood flows in only one direction through the heart. Valve disease falls into two categories: insufficient opening (stenosis) and incomplete closure (regurgitation / insufficiency).

Mitral and aortic valve diseases are the most common. Valve disease may be congenital, or it may develop due to rheumatic fever, calcification, infective endocarditis, or aging.

Mild valve disease may remain symptomless for years. With regular monitoring and timely surgical intervention (valve repair or replacement), irreversible cardiac damage can be prevented.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath on exertion or at rest
Fatigue and decreased exercise capacity
Swelling of the ankles and legs
Palpitations and irregular heart rhythm
Chest pain or tightness
Dizziness or fainting (especially in aortic stenosis)
Heart murmur (detected on examination)

Risk Factors

Prior rheumatic fever
Congenital heart anomalies
Advanced age and valve calcification
History of infective endocarditis
Connective tissue disorders (such as Marfan syndrome)
Prior chest radiation therapy
Hypertension and coronary artery disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For regular follow-up if echocardiography shows valve disease
  • If shortness of breath is progressively worsening
  • If fainting or near-fainting episodes occur (an urgent sign in aortic stenosis)
  • If fever with chills and sweating develops (possible endocarditis)
  • When valve repair or replacement is being considered

Treatment Methods

01
Regular echocardiographic follow-up (in mild cases)
02
Diuretics and other cardiac medications for symptom control
03
Balloon valvuloplasty (in certain types of stenosis)
04
Valve repair or prosthetic valve replacement (open-heart surgery)
05
TAVI — transcatheter aortic valve implantation (for high-risk patients)
06
Antibiotic prophylaxis against infection (before dental or surgical procedures)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

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Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

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Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

Heart Failure

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Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

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A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

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Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Aortic Aneurysm

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Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Peripheral Artery Disease

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Peripheral artery disease can cause leg pain with walking (claudication) and, in advanced stages, tissue loss.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.