Heart Valve Disease

Diagnosis - Heart Valve Disease

Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease occurs when a hearr valve does not open or close properly.

In valvular stenosis, the heart valve is narrowed. It may be thickened and/or stiff and does not open all the way. The heart has to work harder to push blood through a smaller opening.

In valvular regurgitation (or insufficiency), the heart valve is leaky. It may be loose, shortened, or torn. As a result, the valve does not close tightly enough, and blood leaks backward. The heart has to work harder to pump some of the same blood through the valve again.

Stenosis and regurgitation tend to get worse with time. They may cause the heart muscle to weaken, which can result in heart failure.

Catheterization may be needed to confirm heart valve disease and to accurately measure how severely the valve is narrowed or leaking.





	Diagnosis - Heart Valve Disease Heart Valve Disease Heart valve disease occurs when a hearr valve does not open or close properly. In valvular stenosis, the heart valve is narrowed. It may be thickened and/or stiff and does not open all the way. The heart has to work harder to push blood through a smaller opening. In valvular regurgitation (or insufficiency), the heart valve is leaky. It may be loose, shortened, or torn. As a result, the valve does not close tightly enough, and blood leaks backward. The heart has to work harder to pump some of the same blood through the valve again. Stenosis and regurgitation tend to get worse with time. They may cause the heart muscle to weaken, which can result in heart failure. Catheterization may be needed to confirm heart valve disease and to accurately measure how severely the valve is narrowed or leaking. The information contained in this web site is presented for information purposes only, and is not intended to substitute in any way a consultation with a physician or competent healthcare professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment.