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Valvular Heart Disease

Understanding Heart Valves and Common Valve Conditions
Heart valves are flap-like structures within the heart that regulate the flow of blood between its chambers and out to the rest of the body. With each heartbeat, these valves open and close to ensure that blood moves in the correct direction and does not flow backward. When healthy, they help maintain smooth, one-way circulation.

What does it mean to have a heart murmur?

Heart murmur happens when there is a disturbance in the blood flow through a heart valve. It could be due to the speed of the blood flow or a disease in the heart valves. It is safe to be evaluated by a cardiologist to check if the murmur has any significance. Cardiologists can detect valve problems by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. A heart murmur—the sound of blood flowing through a narrowed or leaking valve—is often the first clue.
There are four main heart valves:
  • Aortic Valve
  • Mitral Valve
  • Pulmonic Valve
  • Tricuspid Valve

Aortic Stenosis: A Common Valve Problem
One of the most common valve disorders is aortic stenosis, which occurs when the aortic valve becomes stiff and narrowed—often due to aging and calcium buildup. Over time, the valve doesn’t open fully, making it harder for blood to leave the heart and reach the body.

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Common symptoms

  • Shortness of breath (especially with activity)
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Dizziness or fainting spells

How to diagnose

  • Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
  • Trans esophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
  • Left and Right heart catheterization

Treatment options

  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve replacement (TAVR)
  • Surgical Aortic Valve replacement (SAVR)
  • Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV)

When aortic stenosis becomes severe, treatment is needed to replace the valve. Traditionally, this required open-heart surgery, but today, a less invasive option called TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is widely used. Instead of opening the chest, doctors insert a new valve through a small incision in the groin.
Contact our staff at [email protected], if you were told you may need heart valve surgery. There may be a less invasive option.