Valve Disease

Valve disease occurs when a valve does not open fully, when it is said to be stenosed, or when it leaks when it is closed, when it is called incompetent. Any valve may be affected, and there are a number of different causes, from congenital birth defects to thickening of the valve leaflets as we age, together with the possible effects of illnesses such as rheumatic fever. The treatment, if any is necessary, depends on the severity of the disease. A mild degree of stenosis of the aortic valve, between the left ventricle and the aorta, for example, will need no treatment other than the use of antibiotics to prevent endocarditis (see heart and blood vessels disorders) following surgical procedures such as dental treatment. Severe aortic stenosis may cause loss of consciousness, angina and heart failure and require emergency surgery and valve replacement.
 
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