Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. Over time, or due to infection or congenital causes, a valve can narrow (stenosis) or fail to close properly (regurgitation), forcing the heart to work harder. We diagnose valve disease through ECHO, track its progression over time, manage it with medication where appropriate, and refer for surgical or catheter-based valve repair when needed.
Types
Stenosis
The valve narrows and doesn't open fully, restricting blood flow forward through it.
Regurgitation
The valve doesn't close completely, letting blood leak backward instead of moving forward efficiently.
When it's usually needed
- A heart murmur detected during examination
- Breathlessness, fatigue, or swelling in the legs
- Known valve disease requiring regular monitoring
Good to know
Duration: Ongoing management; individual visits ~30 minutes
Preparation: Bring any prior ECHO reports to your first visit for comparison.
This page is for general information and doesn't replace a medical consultation. Your cardiologist will confirm what's right for your specific case.