Heart Valve Disease

Overview

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s four valves do not function properly, affecting the normal flow of blood through the heart. This condition can develop slowly or appear suddenly and may lead to serious complications if left untreated.

At the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment for all forms of heart valve disease, using advanced imaging and expert cardiology care to support your heart health.

Understanding the Heart Valves

The heart contains four valves that open and close with each heartbeat to regulate blood flow:

• Aortic valve
• Mitral valve
• Tricuspid valve
• Pulmonary valve

Each valve ensures blood flows in the correct direction. When one of these valves becomes damaged or diseased, it can either:

• Narrow (stenosis): restricting blood flow
• Leak (regurgitation): allowing blood to flow backwards
• Or fail to open and close properly (prolapse or atresia)

Types of Heart Valve Disease

• Aortic stenosis – narrowing of the aortic valve, often due to age-related calcification
• Mitral regurgitation – the mitral valve doesn’t close fully, causing backflow into the left atrium
• Mitral valve prolapse – abnormal movement of the mitral valve leaflets
• Tricuspid or pulmonary valve disease – less common but can occur due to congenital defects or infection
• Congenital valve defects – present from birth and may affect one or more valves

Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

Mild valve disease may cause no symptoms for years. However, as the condition progresses, it can lead to:

• Breathlessness, especially during activity or when lying flat
• Chest pain or tightness
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeat)
• Swollen ankles or feet (fluid retention)
• Fainting or lightheadedness

Symptoms may mimic other heart conditions, so it’s important to seek an accurate diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

Heart valve disease may result from:

• Ageing – wear and tear over time
• Rheumatic fever – post-infection damage (now rare in the UK)
• Infective endocarditis – bacterial infection damaging the valve
• Congenital heart defects
• Heart attacks or other cardiac conditions
• Radiation therapy to the chest
• Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus

Risk increases with age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a history of heart problems.

Diagnosis at Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We offer a full range of diagnostic tools to evaluate valve structure and function, including:

• Echocardiogram (transthoracic or transoesophageal)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan
• Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation

Our cardiologists provide prompt, clear diagnosis and guide you through your treatment options.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and type of valve disease:

• Monitoring for mild cases, with regular check-ups and lifestyle advice
• Medication to relieve symptoms and support heart function
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as balloon valvuloplasty
• Valve repair – surgical techniques to restore normal function
• Valve replacement, using biological or mechanical valves
  • This may be done through open-heart surgery or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), depending on the case

Our team ensures each patient receives a personalised plan focused on long-term heart health and symptom relief.

Why Choose Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

We offer expert cardiology care supported by advanced imaging technology and personalised patient support. Whether you require monitoring, minimally invasive treatment, or surgery, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment with Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital for expert evaluation and treatment.. Make an appointment with one of our private GPs who can refer you to our specialist cardiologists. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £100.

Any additional costs will always be discussed.

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