Aortic & Mitral Valve Disease

There are four valves that regulate the flow of blood within the heart: two on the left side (the aortic and mitral valves) and two on the right side (the pulmonary and tricuspid valves).

Most heart valve problems that require surgery or intervention involve the aortic and mitral valves, although problems with the other two valves can be treated.

Heart valve disorders can be caused by leaking (insufficiently or regurgitation) of the valves or narrowing (stenosis) of the valves.

​When heart valves fail to open and close properly, the effects on the heart can be serious, possibly impairing the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently through the body. Heart valve problems are one cause of heart failure.

Heart Valve Diseases

Some common heart valve diseases are:

• Bicuspid aortic valve​
• Mitral valve prolapse causing insufficiency or regurgitation​
• Mitral valve stenosis
• Aortic valve stenosis​
• Aortic valve regurgitation or insufficiency
• Tricuspid valve regurgitation​
• Pulmonary valve regurgitation​

Heart Valve Disease Treatment

In some cases, the best treatment for heart valve disease may be careful supervision and medical therapy. However, other treatment options may include surgery to repair or replace the valve. Newer techniques are now available using catheters threaded through a blood vessel in the leg to treat many heart valve problems without open surgery.​

Treatment plans for patients will be determined by their care team based on age, medical history, type and stage of valve disease and disorder and personal preferences. Options may include:

• Medicine​
• Surgery/Intervention*​
  • Aortic valve repair and replacement
  • Mitral valve repair and replacement*
  • Balloon valvuloplasty​
  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)​
  • Minimally invasive aortic and mitral valve surgery
  • Transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip) and replacement (TMVR)
• Clinical Trials (when appropriate)

Cardiology Associates of Morristown offers world-class heart and vascular care and treatment. Our team of board-certified doctors will conduct a complete evaluation and provide a personalized plan of treatment.

Don’t let your heart conditions go undiagnosed. Call Cardiology Associates of Morristown today at 973-889-9001 or request an appointment online.