A healthy heart circulates blood in a one-way loop, controlled by a system of four valves: the mitral, the aortic, the tricuspid, and the pulmonary. If these valves fail to open or close properly, the heart loses its ability to pump blood throughout the body, eventually starving organs of oxygen and nutrients.

Valves can be improperly formed, scarred, stretched, weakened, or thinned. Supportive structures may loosen or tear. If a valve does not fully close, blood can leak through the opening and go in the wrong direction, which is called regurgitation. Stenosis is when the valve is blocked and does not open correctly. Sometimes, a valve neither opens nor closes properly.

There are several types of heart valve diseases:

Mitral valve disease: a condition in which a valve in the left chambers of the heart does not function correctly.
Aortic valve disease: this is a condition in which the main valve which connects to the heart to the aorta (and the rest of the body) does not work properly.
Pulmonary valve disease: this disease occurs when a valve responsible for directing blood flow to the lungs, malfunctions.
Tricuspid valve disease: a condition in which a valve in the right chambers of the heart does not function correctly.

When to seek expert advice

If you are facing any of the symptoms listed above, contact your doctor at the Section of Cardiology immediately.

Disclaimer

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.