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Valve diseaseThere are four valves in the heart - tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral and aortic - that control the flow of blood through the four chambers of the heart. The purpose of the valves is to ensure that blood flows only one way - in the proper direction during a heartbeat. Valve disease most often affects the mitral valve, which controls blood flow from the left upper chamber to the left lower chamber, and the aortic valve, which controls blood flow out of the left lower chamber to the rest of the body. Valve disease involves two primary conditions: regurgitation, in which the valve fails and allows blood to flow the wrong way; and stenosis, which is narrowing of the valve so blood does not flow as freely as necessary. Valve disease may be caused by damage to the heart muscle from infection, such as rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease/defect, or by calcification from calcium deposits that is part of the aging process. Symptoms of valve disease include rapid heartbeat, physical weakness during exertion, fainting and chest discomfort. Some patients have no symptoms. A heart murmur caused by valve disease may be heard through a stethoscope. However, not everyone with a heart murmur has valve disease. Diagnostic procedures such as an electrocardiogram can help determine the presence and extent of valve disease. Treatment may include medications to help improve blood flow, stabilize valve function, improve heart function, or treat rhythm disorders and underlying cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, a low-fat and low-salt diet and regular exercise may be prescribed. Often surgery to repair or replace the valve is necessary. [ Previous page ]
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