02 9114 5151

Refer a Patient

Book an Appointment

Valvular Heart Disease

What is It?

Valvular heart disease is any condition that disrupts the proper function of one or more of the four heart valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid and pulmonary). The valves ensure blood flows in the correct direction through the heart. Valves may become narrowed (stenosis), fail to close properly causing leakage (regurgitation), or bulge backwards (prolapse). Valve disease is common, affecting around 2.5% of the general population and up to 13% of people over 75.

What are the symptoms?

Early valvular heart disease may cause no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms include shortness of breath (especially on exertion or when lying down), fatigue, chest pain or tightness, swelling of the ankles, feet or abdomen, heart palpitations, dizziness or fainting, and reduced exercise tolerance. A heart murmur detected by your doctor is often the first sign.

What are the causes?

At One Heart Centre our cardiologists screen for all causes of valvular heart disease. Causes include:

  • Age-related degeneration and calcification of the valves.
  • Congenital heart defects, such as a bicuspid aortic valve.
  • Infections, including rheumatic fever and infective endocarditis.
  • Damage from heart attack, hypertension, or cardiomyopathy.
  • Radiation therapy to the chest and connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome.

How is it investigated?

Investigation begins with a physical examination listening for heart murmurs. The echocardiogram is the primary diagnostic test, assessing valve structure, severity of disease, and heart function. Additional tests include ECG, chest X-ray, cardiac MRI, CT scan, transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) for closer views, and cardiac catheterisation if other tests are inconclusive.

What are the treatments?

At One Heart Centre our cardiologists have post-fellowship training in managing valvular heart disease and will provide a personalised treatment plan for your valve disease. Treatment options include:

  • Surveillance: Mild to moderate disease is monitored with regular echocardiograms.
  • Medical therapy: Medications to manage symptoms and associated conditions, including diuretics, blood thinners, and blood pressure medications.
  • Valve repair: Surgical or catheter-based techniques to preserve the native valve.
  • Valve replacement: Either surgical (mechanical or biological valves) or transcatheter approaches such as TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation).