Heart Valve Disease

What heart valves do — and what a murmur means

Your heart has four valves that open and close with every beat, keeping blood moving in one direction. A heart murmur is simply an extra sound your doctor hears — often a harmless "innocent" murmur, especially in children and young adults. Sometimes, though, a murmur is the first clue that a valve is narrowed or leaking. That's why a new murmur is usually checked with an echocardiogram: most turn out to be nothing, and the ones that aren't are best found early.

Common valve conditions we treat

Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve — the heart's main outflow door — that makes the heart work harder; it's most common with age. Mitral valve problems include prolapse, where the valve's flaps don't close smoothly, and regurgitation, where blood leaks backward. Valves can also be affected by infection, prior rheumatic fever, or changes after a heart attack. Many valve conditions progress slowly, which makes regular monitoring a genuine treatment strategy, not just waiting.

Symptoms and when to seek care

Valve disease can be silent for years. See us if you notice shortness of breath with activity or when lying down, chest pressure, fatigue that's new for you, swelling in the ankles, dizziness, or fainting. Call 911 for chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting.

How we diagnose and treat valve disease

Diagnosis centers on the echocardiogram, which shows each valve opening and closing in real time. Mild disease is often managed with scheduled checkups and medications that ease symptoms while we watch for change. When a valve narrows or leaks enough to strain the heart, treatment options include surgical repair or replacement, and for some patients, catheter-based valve procedures such as TAVR — a way to replace the aortic valve without open surgery. Your cardiologist will explain which options fit your valve, your health, and your goals, and coordinate care with our heart surgeons or a referral center when appropriate. Existing patients can message the team anytime through MyChart.