This common form of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve doesn’t close properly. The mitral valve controls blood flow to the left side of your heart, letting blood flow in one direction from the upper chamber of the heart (atrium) to the lower chamber (ventricle). In a mitral valve prolapse, the valve lets blood flow through normally but bulges backwards after it has closed.

This type of heart valve disease is typically caused by endocarditis (an infection of the heart) or connective tissue diseases. It can also be passed down through family members.

In most cases, MVP does not cause heart damage and does not require treatment. However, it can increase your chances of developing mitral valve regurgitation.

When the mitral valve does not close properly, blood may leak or flow backwards (regurgitate) from the lower left heart chamber (ventricle) to the upper left chamber (atrium). This is called mitral valve regurgitation (MVR). In serious cases, this condition can lead to a backup of blood in the left atrium and lungs and damage the left ventricle, ultimately leading to heart failure.

There are two types of MVR. Primary mitral valve regurgitation is caused by a structural problem with the valve itself, often caused by a congenital heart defect, mitral valve prolapse or calcium buildup in the mitral valve. Primary MVR is treated surgically, by replacing the defective parts of the valve.

Secondary mitral valve regurgitation occurs when another condition (such as a heart attack or coronary artery disease) causes the valve to leak. Secondary MVR is addressed by first treating the underlying condition, then repairing the mitral valve after your medications are optimized.

MVR does not always cause symptoms and may never require treatment. In these cases, your provider may recommend ongoing monitoring to make sure the leak does not get worse and prescribe medication to help your blood flow more easily.

Mitral valve stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve, preventing it from opening completely. This causes pressure to build up in the left atrium and the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath. It also prevents the left ventricle from filling up with blood, making it harder for people to exercise. As stenosis progresses, the valve gets narrower, eventually leading to shortness of breath even at rest.

Mitral valve stenosis is caused by damage to the valve, which can be a result of calcium buildup, congenital heart defects or rheumatic fever.

Mild or moderate cases may not cause symptoms, and can be managed through long-term monitoring, medication and lifestyle changes. More serious cases usually require a procedure to dilate or replace the valve, such as balloon valvuloplasty, in which a balloon is inserted into the valve via catheter and inflated to improve blood flow.

The aortic valve works like a one-way gate, controlling blood flow from the heart to the aortic valve and the rest of the body. When it does not close properly, some of the blood can leak backwards (regurgitate) into the left ventricle. This means the body does not get enough blood, and the heart must work harder to make up for it.

Aortic valve regurgitation can be long-term (chronic) or come on suddenly (acute) and is usually a result of damage to the valve. Common causes of chronic aortic valve regurgitation include congenital heart defects, calcium buildup in the valve or an enlarged aorta. You can have chronic aortic valve regurgitation for years and not experience symptoms.

Acute aortic valve regurgitation is often caused by endocarditis or trauma to the heart and requires immediate medical attention.

Aortic valve stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, preventing it from opening completely. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood through the valve, causing pressure to build up in the ventricle and thickening the heart muscle. As stenosis progresses, the valve gets narrower, eventually leading to heart failure.

Aortic valve stenosis is caused by damage to the valve, which can be a result of calcium buildup on the valve, congenital heart defects or rheumatic fever.

Mild or moderate cases may not cause symptoms, and can be managed through long-term monitoring, medication and lifestyle changes. More serious cases usually require surgery to fix or replace the valve.

When the tricuspid valve does not close properly, blood may leak or flow backwards (regurgitate) from the lower right heart chamber (ventricle) to the upper right chamber (atrium). This is called tricuspid valve regurgitation (TVR). In serious cases, this condition can lead to a backup of blood in the right atrium and veins, ultimately leading to right-sided heart failure. Symptoms include leg swelling, liver congestion and abdominal distension.

TVR does not always cause symptoms and may never require treatment. In these cases, your provider may recommend ongoing monitoring and prescribe diuretics to control the congestion and swelling. There are catheter-based options that can be considered for repairing the tricuspid valve or minimizing the congestion.