Valvular

Valvular is an adjective relating to valves in anatomy, most commonly the heart valves. The heart has four valves—the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonic valves—that regulate unidirectional blood flow between chambers and into the great vessels by opening and closing with each heartbeat.

Valvular disease refers to functional or structural abnormalities of one or more valves, leading to stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). Causes include congenital defects, degenerative calcification, rheumatic fever, infective endocarditis, and ischemic or traumatic injury. Symptoms may be absent early; when present, they include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness or syncope, palpitations, edema, or signs of heart failure.

Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and imaging. Echocardiography is the primary tool, providing valve morphology and hemodynamics. Cardiac MRI or CT can supplement. Electrocardiography, chest radiography, and, if needed, cardiac catheterization evaluate associated disease and guide treatment planning.

Treatment depends on severity and the affected valve. Medical therapy can relieve symptoms and slow progression but may not correct the underlying problem. Definitive treatment often requires valve repair or replacement. Surgical options include valvuloplasty (repair), mechanical or bioprosthetic valve replacement, and, for some diseases, transcatheter approaches such as TAVR/TAVI or TEER. Anticoagulation may be required for certain mechanical valves. Endocarditis prophylaxis is guided by current clinical guidelines.

Prognosis varies with disease severity and comorbidity; regular follow-up with a cardiologist is standard.