Dr. Jayne Kivai
Cardiologist
Heart Valve Disease
The heart has four valves that act like one-way gates, ensuring blood flows in the right direction. Two valves control blood flow to the lower chambers (ventricles), while the other two direct blood outward to the lungs and the aorta.
How Healthy Valves Work
Normal heart valves open and close smoothly, allowing blood to flow in one direction only. When valves are damaged, this flow can be disrupted in two main ways:
-
Regurgitation: Blood leaks backward through the valve.
-
Stenosis: Blood flows through a valve that has become narrowed.
Causes of Heart Valve Disease
Valve problems can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired over time. Infections and inflammation of the valves are more common in developing countries. Often, the damage develops slowly, eventually leading to stenosis, regurgitation, or both.
Why It Matters
If left untreated, heart valve disease can strain the heart, leading to heart failure and, ultimately, death. Early detection is key, and an echocardiogram is the main test used to evaluate the condition of your heart valves.
Recognizing and treating valve disease early can improve quality of life and prevent serious complications.