heart valve damage

Heart valve damage occurs when the valves that control blood flow between your heart chambers or out to the body don’t work properly. This can happen if the valves become stiff, leak, or don’t fully close. As a result, blood may flow backward or get blocked, making the heart work harder. Causes include aging, infections, or conditions like rheumatic fever. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. Treatment depends on severity and may involve medication or surgery to repair or replace the damaged valve, helping the heart function more efficiently.