Heart Valve Disease

The Facts
According to the American Heart Association, heart valve disease killed about 20,000 Americans and contributed to about 42,000 additional deaths in 2003 - the most recent year for which data is available. Some people are born with valve disease, while others acquire it during their lives.

What Is Heart Valve Disease?
Four valves make sure blood only flows one way in your heart. Valve disease occurs when the valves fail to fully open or close. The two main types of valve problems are valvular stenosis (a heart valve that doesn't completely open, causing blood to pump through a smaller opening) and valvular insufficiency (a heart valve that doesn't completely close, causing blood to flow backwards).

Who Is At Risk?
Heart valve disease can be caused by abnormally formed valves that you're born with. Risk factors for acquiring valve disease after birth include:

  • Infective endocarditis, an infection that occurs when bacteria or other germs attach to the surface of a heart valve
  • Rheumatic fever, which can be caused by an untreated streptococcal infection such as strep throat
  • Coronary artery disease (fatty deposits accumulating within the walls of the coronary arteries, slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart)
  • Heart attacks or heart muscle disease
  • High blood pressure (greater than 140 mmHg systolic pressure or 90 mmHg diastolic pressure)
  • Aortic aneurysms
  • Syphilis

What Can I Do?
To reduce your risk of coronary artery disease:

  • Stop smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Reduce high blood cholesterol by eating a diet low in saturated fats and taking cholesterol-lowering medications as prescribed
  • Be physically active each day for 30 to 60 minutes
  • Aim for a healthy weight (a Body Mass Index lower than 25)
  • Lower high blood pressure, with medication if necessary

Also, you should receive treatment for diseases such as strep throat and syphilis.

Why Choose UVa for Heart Valve Disease Treatment?
UVa's Heart Valve Clinic offers one-stop access to a full array of diagnosis and treatment options for patients who have or suspect they have heart valve disease or heart murmurs. Patients benefit from comprehensive, tailored treatment from a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and specialized cardiac nurses.

UVa has been named one of America's top 50 hospitals for heart care and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. UVa also has the only accredited Chest Pain Center in the region to assess and treat heart attacks.

Click here to find physicians at UVa who treat heart valve disease