Treatment of Heart Valve Disease

With careful medical supervision, many people with heart valve disease live reasonably normal lives using medication. However, when medical treatment is not indicated or is dangerous or ineffective, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to repair or replace the damaged valve or valves.

In some cases it is possible to repair a heart valve by performing a surgical procedure called valvotomy, valvuloplasty, or valve repair. Some valves can be repaired but some are so seriously deformed or diseased that they must be removed and replaced with a prosthetic (artificial) heart valve.

There are two main types of artificial valves. Bioprostheses, or bioprosthetic valves, are made of biological tissue (human or treated animal tissues). Mechanical valves are made of metal, carbon, and/or plastic. Your doctor will determine which type of valve is best for you based on many factors including your age, lifestyle, and the nature of your heart disease.