Heart Valve Disease

The heart has four valves that all play a different part in keeping blood flowing in the correct direction:

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

Heart valve disease is when one or more of these valves do not work correctly, meaning that the blood flow through from the heart to the body is disrupted.

Causes of heart valve disease

In some cases, the exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, the condition can be present at birth (congenital) and it can also occur in adults as a result of previous infections or other existing heart conditions.

Symptoms of heart valve disease

In some cases, the symptoms of heart valve disease do not show immediately and can take a few years to present. When signs and symptoms occur, they can include:

• Chest pain
• Whooshing sound during stethoscope exam (heart murmur)
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath (during activity or at rest)
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Dizziness and/or fainting

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined, it is advised that you consult with your GP who may then refer you to a cardiologist.

Risk factors of heart valve disease

A number of factors can increase your risk of heart valve disease, including:

• History of infections or pre-existing conditions that affect the heart
• Older age
• High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other heart disease risk factors
• Congenital heart diseases

Treatment options for heart valve disease

The treatment options for the condition ultimately depend on the severity of the condition, symptoms experience and whether or not the condition is worsening.

Following assessment by a trained cardiologist, treatment may include monitoring your condition with regular follow-up visits and you may be advised to:

• Make healthy lifestyle changes
• Take medication(s) to treat symptoms

Here at One Ashford Hospital, we have a dedicated team of cardiologists on hand to rapidly assess, diagnose and treat heart valve disease along with a range of other conditions.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Heart Valve Disease treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• 0% and low finance options**
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, Barnet, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.