Heart Valve Disease

The heart has four valves that all play a different part in keeping blood flowing in the correct direction:

Mitral valve
Tricuspid valve
Pulmonary valve
Aortic valve

Heart valve disease is when one or more of these valves do not work correctly, meaning that the blood flow through from the heart to the body is disrupted.

Causes of heart valve disease

In some cases, the exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, the condition can be present at birth (congenital) and it can also occur in adults as a result of previous infections or other existing heart conditions.

Symptoms of heart valve disease

In some cases, the symptoms of heart valve disease do not show immediately and can take a few years to present. When signs and symptoms occur, they can include:

Chest pain
Whooshing sound during stethoscope exam (heart murmur)
Fatigue
Shortness of breath (during activity or at rest)
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Dizziness and/or fainting

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined, it is advised that you consult with your GP who may then refer you to a cardiologist.

Risk factors of heart valve disease

A number of factors can increase your risk of heart valve disease, including:

History of infections or pre-existing conditions that affect the heart
Older age
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other heart disease risk factors
Congenital heart diseases

Treatment options for heart valve disease

The treatment options for the condition ultimately depend on the severity of the condition, symptoms experience and whether or not the condition is worsening.

Following assessment by a trained cardiologist, treatment may include monitoring your condition with regular follow-up visits and you may be advised to:

Make healthy lifestyle changes
Take medication(s) to treat symptoms

Here at One Hatfield Hospital, we offer cardiology services and have a dedicated team of cardiologists on hand to rapidly assess, diagnose and treat heart valve disease along with a range of other conditions.

Our hospital is perfectly located to welcome and treat patients living throughout Hertfordshire, including Hatfield, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, and Welwyn, as well as Bedfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Heart Valve Disease treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages as well as the ability to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at either the One Ashford Hospital or One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
Little or no waiting time
‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
Freshly prepared food
Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.