Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s four valves do not open fully or do not close properly. This can restrict blood flow (stenosis) or allow blood to leak backward (regurgitation). Valve disease can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness or fainting
- Palpitations
- Swelling of the ankles or legs
Mild valve disease may cause no symptoms and can be discovered during a routine examination because of a heart murmur.
Causes
Valve disease may be present from birth or develop later because of age-related changes, infection such as endocarditis, rheumatic heart disease, heart damage or other cardiovascular conditions.
Diagnosis
An echocardiogram is a key test for assessing heart valves. Other tests may include an ECG, chest imaging, exercise testing, CT or cardiac MRI depending on the condition.
Treatment
Mild disease may only require monitoring. Medicines can help control symptoms or related conditions but cannot repair every structural valve problem. Severe valve disease may require valve repair or replacement using surgery or catheter-based procedures.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency medical help for severe breathing difficulty, new or severe chest pain, fainting or collapse. New or worsening shortness of breath, swelling, palpitations or reduced exercise tolerance should be medically assessed.
Related topics
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 4 September 2026. This page provides general health information and does not replace individual medical assessment or treatment.