Valvular Heart Disease
About the disease & condition
Valvular Heart Disease (VHD) occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary—malfunction due to narrowing (stenosis), leakage (regurgitation), or prolapse. This disrupts normal blood flow and may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart failure. Causes include rheumatic fever, congenital defects, infections, or age-related degeneration. Early diagnosis, medical management, and surgical interventions such as valve repair or replacement help restore valve function and prevent complications.
Known Symptoms
- Shortness of breath during activity or lying down.
- Fatigue with reduced exercise tolerance or stamina.
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat episodes.
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or abdomen due to fluid.
Known Causes
- Rheumatic fever causing inflammatory damage to valves.
- Congenital heart defects present at birth.
- Age-related degeneration or calcification of valve structures.
- Infective endocarditis damaging valve leaflets or tissue.
Care
- Regular monitoring with echocardiography and cardiology follow-up.
- Medications to manage heart failure or control arrhythmias.
- Surgical repair or valve replacement for severe valve dysfunction.
- Lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and infection prevention.
Relevant Specialties

Cardiology
Cardiology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the heart and the cardiovascular system, including blood circulation throughout the body.
It plays a key role in identifying and managing conditions influenced by lifestyle, genetics, and other health factors. The specialty supports patients in understanding their heart health, recognizing risk factors early, and maintaining long-term cardiovascular well-being.
At KIMSHEALTH, cardiology care is delivered through a patient-first approach, combining preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and continuous monitoring to support better heart health and improved quality of life.





