Overview
About heart valve disorders
Your heart has four valves — the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid valves. They help move blood through your heart to your lungs, where it picks up oxygen, and then moves it to the rest of your body.
Sometimes there’s a problem with one or more of these valves. As a result, blood may not move through your body the way it should.
At UW Health, we offer many ways to treat heart valve disorders. Some, we helped pioneer. As one of the top-ranked heart hospitals in the country, we give you options. We find the best, safest treatment for you so you can get back to health.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Recognizing symptoms, getting a diagnosis
Some people with heart valve disorders were born with them. Others develop them later in life. In some cases, you have symptoms, but in others, you’re symptom-free. Your doctor hearing an abnormal heart sound during a routine exam might be the first sign of trouble.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the valve disorder, and include:
Chest pain or tightness
Fast, hard or irregular heartbeat
Fluttering discomfort in your chest or neck
Increased fatigue and weakness
Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
Shortness of breath
Swollen ankles and feet
Treatments and research
The right treatment is the one that’s best for you
We tailor your care to your condition. There are nonsurgical and surgical options, including some that are minimally invasive.
If a doctor elsewhere has suggested surgery, it’s worth coming to us to learn about your options. We find the treatment that’s best for you.
Medical management
If your valve disease is not severe, periodic heart ultrasounds (echocardiograms) and regular follow-up with your cardiologists may be recommended. For patients with valvular heart disease, addressing other cardiac risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia) and incorporating a heart-healthy lifestyle (exercising, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and maintaining a normal body size) are important measures for improved cardiovascular health.
Meet our team
Many specialists, one goal: Better health for you
At UW Health, a team of highly skilled doctors will take part in your care. Depending on your condition, you could see cardiologists, interventional cardiologists or cardiac surgeons for your treatment.
Patient and support services
Tools to help you manage and recover
We have a number of resources to provide information and support if you have heart valve disease.
Cardiac rehabilitation
After surgery, we offer rehab in the hospital and when you return home. It’s geared at helping you live a heart-healthy lifestyle. We also guide you in safely increasing your activity level.
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