What Is Heart Valve Disease?

The heart has four valves that control the direction of blood flow. Valve disease may cause a valve to become narrowed, known as stenosis, or allow blood to leak backward, known as regurgitation.

Common Types of Valve Disease

Common conditions include:

• Aortic stenosis
• Aortic regurgitation
• Mitral valve regurgitation
• Mitral valve stenosis
• Tricuspid valve disease
• Pulmonary valve disease

Common Symptoms

Heart valve disease may cause:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest pain or pressure
• Palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting
• Swollen legs or ankles
• Reduced exercise tolerance

Mild valve disease may not cause noticeable symptoms.

How Is Heart Valve Disease Diagnosed?

Evaluation may include:

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Heart murmur assessment
• Blood pressure testing
• Chest imaging
• Exercise testing

Echocardiography helps assess valve structure, blood flow, and overall heart function.

Heart Valve Disease Treatment

Treatment depends on the affected valve and severity of the condition. Options may include:

• Regular monitoring
• Blood pressure management
• Medication for symptoms
• Arrhythmia treatment
• Heart failure management
• Valve repair or replacement referral

Not every patient requires surgery. Mild cases may only need periodic follow-up.

When Should You Seek Urgent Care?

Seek emergency care for severe chest pain, fainting, sudden breathing difficulty, rapidly worsening swelling, or blue lips and skin.

Heart Valve Care for International Patients

Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic welcomes international patients and expatriates seeking heart valve evaluation in Seoul.

Patients should bring previous echocardiograms, ECGs, medical reports, and medication information when available.

Why Choose Dr. Lim Do-Sun Heart Clinic?

The clinic provides:

• Cardiologist-led consultations
• Advanced echocardiography
• Heart murmur evaluation
• Heart function assessment
• Personalized medication management
• Long-term valve monitoring
• International patient support

Book a Heart Valve Evaluation in Seoul

Early diagnosis can help prevent heart failure, arrhythmia, and other complications.

Visit Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic for heart valve testing and specialized cardiovascular care in Seoul, Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is heart valve disease serious?

It can become serious when valve narrowing or leakage significantly affects blood flow and heart function.

Can heart valve disease cause a heart murmur?

Yes. Abnormal blood flow through a damaged valve commonly produces a heart murmur.

Does every valve condition require surgery?

No. Mild or moderate valve disease may only require regular echocardiograms and medical management.

Can heart valve disease cause shortness of breath?

Yes. Valve problems can increase pressure inside the heart and lungs, leading to breathing difficulty.

How often should heart valve disease be monitored?

Monitoring frequency depends on the affected valve, disease severity, symptoms, and changes in heart function.