What kind of valve problems affects the heart?
The heart has four valves within it that control blood flow, two on the right and two on the left. Most common adult valve problems arise from those on the left side of the heart, called the aortic valve and mitral valve. These valves can either develop narrowing or stenosis or leak significantly. Abnormalities of the heart valves can present in various ways, including chest pain, passing out, shortness of breath, irregularities or arrhythmias of the heart. Diagnostic techniques used for evaluation include echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Both mechanical or tissue valves can be used as part of surgery and more and more technical repairs are possible, particularly of the mitral valve.
