Heart Valve Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

If a health care provider has told you that you might have a heart valve problem, or if you’re starting to notice symptoms, it’s normal to have questions about what comes next. Depending on your condition, you may need monitoring, medication or surgery. 

At Banner Health, you can count on expert testing, personalized guidance and coordinated care every step of the way. 

How is heart valve disease diagnosed? 

To diagnose heart valve disease, you will usually be referred to a heart specialist, such as a cardiologist. Diagnosis begins with a physical exam and a detailed review of your symptoms, medications and medical history. 

Your provider will ask about symptoms such as: 

• Fatigue 
• Chest pain 
• Shortness of breath 
• Irregular heartbeats 
• Dizziness or reduced exercise tolerance 

They will also listen to your heart with a stethoscope. A whooshing sound, known as a heart murmur, may suggest a valve problem. If a murmur is present, your provider will assess its timing and location. 

Tests used to diagnose heart valve disease 

Several tests may be used to better understand how your heart and valves are working and how severe the condition is. 

• Echocardiogram (echo):
  Uses sound waves to create moving images of your heart. It shows blood flow and how well the valves open and close. 
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): 
  Records your heart’s electrical activity and shows how your heart beats. 
• Chest X-ray: 
  Checks for changes in heart size or fluid buildup in the heart or lungs. 
• Cardiac CT: 
  Helps determine the severity of valve disease and evaluate treatment options. A cardiac CT scan may also be used to plan procedures such as TAVR. 
• Cardiac MRI: 
  Provides detailed images of the heart and valves. This test may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain or when additional detail is needed. 
• Exercise or stress testing: 
  Measures how your heart and valves respond to physical activity. These tests can reveal symptoms that occur only when the heart is working harder. 
• Cardiac catheterization: 
  Uses X-ray imaging, often with contrast dye, to examine blood vessels and measure pressure inside the heart. It may be needed to confirm valve disease severity or prepare for treatment. 
• Other tests: 
  Blood tests may be used to check cholesterol, blood glucose or rule out other heart conditions. 

Together, these tests help your provider identify the type of valve disease you have and how severe it is, so the most appropriate treatment plan can be recommended. 

How is heart valve disease treated? 

Treatment depends on your symptoms, the severity of valve disease and whether the condition is progressing. Some people may only need monitoring, while others may need treatment to help prevent complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias. 

At Banner Health, your care team considers: 

• Valve disease severity 
• Overall health 
• Lifestyle and personal preferences 

Your treatment plan is designed around your individual needs. 

Nonsurgical treatment options for heart valve disease

If your valve disease is mild or not causing symptoms, treatment may focus on monitoring and symptom management. 

Monitoring and regular checkups 

Routine visits and repeat imaging tests help track changes in valve function over time. Monitoring alone may be appropriate for mild valve disease. 

Lifestyle changes 

Healthy habits can support heart function and slow disease progression. Your provider may recommend: 

• Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low salt 
• Exercising regularly, with provider approval 
• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Quitting smoking or tobacco use 
• Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes 
• Practicing good sleep habits 
• Reducing stress 
• Asking whether cardiac rehabilitation may be helpful 

Medications 

Medications cannot repair a damaged valve, but they can help reduce symptoms and support heart function. These may include: 

• Blood pressure medications 
• Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup 
• Heart rhythm medications 
• Blood thinners to help prevent clots 
• Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to control heart rate and blood pressure 
• Vasodilators to improve blood flow 

Surgical and procedural treatment options for heart valve disease 

Surgery or a heart valve procedure may be recommended if symptoms worsen or if valve disease is severe, even if symptoms are mild. 

Your care team may include a heart surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurse coordinator. They will explain your options and help you prepare. 

Treatment recommendations depend on your age, overall health and which valve is affected. Some people may also need treatment for other heart conditions at the same time. 

Possible treatment options include: 

• Minimally invasive procedures:
  Transcatheter approaches such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transcatheter mitral repair (MitraClip or PASCAL), and transcatheter tricuspid repair (TriClip) or replacement (Evoque) are performed using catheters guided through blood vessels. 
• Open or robot-assisted surgery:
  Surgical valve repair or replacement may be performed using traditional or robotic techniques. Replacement valves may be mechanical or biological (tissue) valves. 
• Investigational procedures:
  Banner Health offers investigational treatment options that are not widely available. These may be discussed when conventional therapies are not appropriate. 

Learn more about valve repair and replacement options. 

What comes next after a heart valve disease diagnosis? 

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing valve disease for some time, ongoing care is essential. 

Banner Health’s cardiologists, surgeons and heart specialists will guide you through: 

• Treatment decisions 
• Recovery planning 
• Long-term follow-up care 

Your care plan may include regular appointments, lifestyle guidance and questions to discuss with your cardiologist. 

Schedule an appointment with a heart specialist at Banner Health.