Heart Valve Disease: Narrowed or Leaking Heart Valves
A valve problem may first appear as breathlessness, reduced stamina or a murmur heard during a check-up.
Treatment at a glance
Monitoring
Medicines
Valve intervention
The right time for treatment depends on symptoms, valve severity and the effect on the heart.
Before your consultation
Use these points to prepare for your consultation.
- Bring your latest and previous echo reports.
- Note changes in walking distance or breathlessness.
- Mention pregnancy plans and any previous valve procedure.
Severe breathlessness, collapse or sudden chest pain needs emergency care.
Understanding heart valve disease
A valve problem may first appear as breathlessness, reduced stamina or a murmur heard during a check-up.
What it means
Heart valves keep blood moving in the right direction. A narrowed valve is called stenotic, while a leaking valve allows some blood to flow backwards. The effect depends on which valve is involved and how severe the problem is. Some people need monitoring for years before intervention.
Symptoms to recognise
Breathlessness during activity or when lying down; Tiredness or reduced stamina; Swollen ankles or palpitations; Chest discomfort, dizziness or fainting.
Treatment at a glance
The right time for treatment depends on symptoms, valve severity and the effect on the heart.
When to seek care
Arrange review if an echo shows valve disease or your symptoms have changed. Fainting during activity needs prompt assessment.
Symptoms to recognise
- Breathlessness during activity or when lying down
- Tiredness or reduced stamina
- Swollen ankles or palpitations
- Chest discomfort, dizziness or fainting
Causes and risk factors
Discuss your medical history and these factors during your assessment.
How it is assessed
The choice of tests depends on your symptoms and the findings of your assessment.
1. Clinical assessment
A doctor listens for a murmur and assesses your symptoms. An echocardiogram shows the valve structure, blood flow and effect on heart function.
2. Tests and investigations
An ECG and selected additional tests may help.
3. Further assessment
Repeat scans can show whether a known valve problem is changing.
Treatment approaches
Medical care and ongoing management
- Monitoring: Mild disease may need planned check-ups and echocardiograms. Report new symptoms between visits.
- Medicines: Medicines may ease fluid build-up or treat related blood pressure and rhythm problems. They do not usually correct the valve defect.
Valve intervention
Severe disease may need repair or replacement. Suitability for surgery or a catheter-based option requires specialist assessment.
Ask your specialist about the expected benefits, risks and alternatives for your circumstances.
When to seek care
Enquire about an assessment of your valve report and symptoms.
Arrange a review
Plan your next consultation
- Arrange review if an echo shows valve disease or your symptoms have changed. Fainting during activity needs prompt assessment.
Seek urgent care
Do not wait for a routine appointment when urgent warning signs occur.
- Severe breathlessness, collapse or sudden chest pain needs emergency care.
Not Sure What You Need?
Enquire about an assessment of your valve report and symptoms.
Talk to Care GuideNeed help understanding a valve diagnosis?
Contact Mediversal Simran Hospital, Begusarai, about a consultation and bring your echo images and report if available.
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