Health effects of heart valve disorders
Learn how heart valve disorders can affect your health.
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Physical effects include regurgitation and stenosis.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation occurs when blood:
- flows back into the valve as it closes
- leaks through the valve’s flaps after they’re closed
This condition causes the heart to work harder to pump the same amount of blood.
Stenosis
Stenosis is the narrowing of a valve opening that decreases blood flow through the valve. This increases the risk of blood clots and causes the heart to work harder.
If a heart valve disorder goes untreated, you may be at risk of:
- stroke
- blood clots
- heart failure
- death due to sudden cardiac arrest, which is when your heart stops
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