Heart Valve Replacement

Heart valve replacement is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased or damaged heart valve with a mechanical or biological valve. The heart has four valves—aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid—which ensure that blood flows in the correct direction through the heart chambers. When one or more of these valves becomes narrowed (stenosis) or fails to close properly (regurgitation), it can lead to serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmias.

There are several conditions and factors that can damage the heart valves, leading to the need for a heart valve replacement. Some of these conditions develop over time, while others may be present from birth (congenital defects).

Aortic Stenosis: The aortic valve becomes narrowed, preventing proper blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and the rest of the body.

Mitral Valve Prolapse: The mitral valve bulges backward into the left atrium, leading to leakage (regurgitation) and improper blood flow.

Rheumatic Heart Disease: A complication of untreated strep throat or rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves, particularly the mitral valve.

Infective Endocarditis: An infection of the heart’s inner lining that can damage or infect the heart valves, leading to their dysfunction.

Congenital Heart Defects: Some people are born with heart valve issues that may eventually require valve replacement.

Calcification of the Valve: Age-related wear and tear can lead to calcium deposits on the heart valve, particularly the aortic valve, causing it to stiffen and impair blood flow.