What does it mean to have a leaky heart valve?
QCould you please tell me about leaky heart valves? In January, I was found to have an irregular heartbeat. I asked a nurse what was going to be done about my leaky heart valve, and she told me “nothing” because it wasn’t “bad enough.” AThere are two types of valve disease. The first is valvular stenosis, which means that the valve opening is smaller than normal and has hardened. This causes the heart to have to work harder, resulting in heart failure or other symptoms. Any of the four valves can be affected. The second type is valvular insufficiency. People with this form are commonly referred to as having a “leaky valve.” It, too, can affect any of the four valves. As the leak worsens, the heart must work harder, but the condition may lead to the body receiving less blood than is required. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the valve disease. The first step begins with protecting the valve from further damage and lessening symptoms. If the valve is severely diseased, s
