Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves do not function properly, affecting blood flow through the heart. Dysfunction can manifest as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage), leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations.
At Heart & Vascular Specialists DFW, our cardiology team provides expert evaluation and management of valve disorders, using advanced imaging to guide precise diagnosis and individualized treatment.
Aortic Valve Disease – narrowing (aortic stenosis) or leakage (aortic regurgitation) affecting blood flow from the heart to the body
Mitral Valve Disease – mitral stenosis or regurgitation affecting blood flow between the left atrium and ventricle
Tricuspid Valve Disease – narrowing or leakage affecting blood flow from the right atrium to the ventricle
Pulmonic Valve Disease – rare conditions affecting blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs
Symptoms may vary depending on severity, and some patients may have no symptoms early on. Common signs include:
Shortness of breath, especially during activity or lying down
Fatigue or weakness
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Chest discomfort or pressure
Swelling in the legs or abdomen
Dizziness or fainting
Early detection is important to prevent complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke.
Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate heart valve function accurately:
Echocardiography – detailed imaging of valve structure and function
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) – high-resolution images for complex cases
Cardiac MRI – detailed assessment of heart chambers and valve-related blood flow
Stress testing – evaluates the heart’s response to activity
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) – monitors heart rhythm abnormalities
These tests guide treatment planning and help determine the need for medical, interventional, or surgical management.
Treatment is tailored to valve type, severity, symptoms, and overall heart health:
Medication Management – for symptom relief or to reduce complications (e.g., anticoagulation, blood pressure control)
Lifestyle Management – heart-healthy diet, exercise guidance, and risk factor control
Interventional Procedures – minimally invasive valve repair or replacement (e.g., TAVR for aortic valve disease)
Surgical Options – valve repair or replacement when indicated for severe disease
Our team ensures patients receive the most effective and safest approach based on their condition.
Minimal preparation is needed. To ensure accurate results, we recommend:
Wearing loose, comfortable clothing
Avoiding lotions or oils on your chest on the day of the test
Informing your provider of any medications you’re taking
Our team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Your cardiologist will review your EKG results and explain what they mean in clear, easy-to-understand terms. Depending on the findings, next steps may include:
Reassurance if results are normal
Medication adjustments
Additional testing (echocardiogram, stress test, cardiac monitoring)
Referral for advanced cardiac care if needed
At Heart & Vascular DFW, we prioritize clear communication and personalized care plans.
