Some heart valve problems are present at birth. Others can be caused by:
- The normal wear and tear of aging.
- Damage to the heart from a heart attack, coronary artery disease (blocked arteries), or heart failure.
- Rheumatic heart disease caused by rheumatic fever.
- Buildup of calcium or fat deposits on heart valves.
- Thinning or tearing of the supporting tissues around the valve.
- Holes that develop in a valve due to high blood pressure or kidney disease.
- Certain types of connective tissue diseases often affect the heart valves. Connective tissues are the building blocks of skin, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones.
Last Updated February 2023