Heart Valve Diseases

Heart valve diseases occur when one or more of the heart's valves don't function properly, affecting blood flow within the heart. Valves can become narrowed (stenosis), preventing blood flow, or leak (regurgitation), allowing blood to flow backward. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. Causes can include age, infections, or congenital defects. Diagnosis typically involves listening to the heart with a stethoscope, and further tests like echocardiograms. Treatment options vary from monitoring to medications, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the affected valve.