What Causes Heart Valve Diseases?
Heart valve diseases are primarily caused by a range of factors that can either damage the valves or alter their structure and function. These causes can be broadly categorized into congenital and acquired conditions.
1. Congenital Heart Valve Defects
Some individuals are born with heart valve abnormalities. These congenital defects can affect the formation and functioning of one or more valves. Common examples include aortic stenosis and mitral valve prolapse.
2. Age-Related Degeneration
As people age, their heart valves may degenerate due to wear and tear. This degeneration can lead to conditions such as calcific aortic stenosis, where calcium deposits build up on the valve, leading to narrowing and obstruction.
3. Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur after untreated streptococcal throat infections. This condition can damage the heart valves, leading to rheumatic heart disease, which may require replacement of the affected valve(s).
4. Infection
Infective endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart, can also affect heart valves. Bacteria or fungi can invade and damage the valves, causing them to become leaky or obstructed.
5. Other Conditions
Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and certain autoimmune diseases (like lupus) can also contribute to heart valve diseases. These conditions can lead to structural and functional alterations in the heart valves over time.