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Heart Valve Disease
One or more of the heart valves becomes narrowed (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation), forcing the heart to work harder. In India it is often linked to past rheumatic fever.
Causes & risk factors
- Rheumatic fever in childhood
- Age-related wear and calcification
- Congenital (present from birth) valve defects
- Infection of the heart valves (endocarditis)
- Damage after a heart attack
Common symptoms
Tests & diagnosis
- Echocardiogram
- ECG
- Chest X-ray
- Heart murmur on examination
- Cardiac catheterisation (selected cases)
Treatment & management
- Regular monitoring for mild disease
- Medicines to relieve symptoms and control rhythm
- Valve repair surgery when possible
- Valve replacement (mechanical or tissue) for severe disease
- Less-invasive valve procedures (such as TAVI) in selected patients
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, chest pain or fainting
- See a cardiologist if a murmur is found or symptoms appear
- Report any history of rheumatic fever to your doctor
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about heart valve disease. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Do all valve problems need surgery?
No. Mild disease is often just monitored; surgery is considered when the valve is severely affected or causing symptoms.
What is rheumatic heart disease?
Valve damage caused by rheumatic fever after a throat infection — still common in India and preventable with early antibiotic treatment of strep throat.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.