Understanding Heart Valve Treatment Options

Many people who get treatment for heart valve disease feel improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

Treatment for heart valve disease may include a plan to:

• Help protect the heart from further damage
• Determine whether medication is needed to help manage symptoms
• Correct the valve problem with a procedure or surgery if needed
• Learn about self-care, ongoing management and the importance of follow-up care

Heart valve repair vs. replacement

Some people with mild heart valve disease may never need surgery. But if a damaged valve makes it hard for the heart to pump blood effectively, valve repair or replacement may be needed.

• Valve repair preserves the person’s own valve when possible. Some repairs can be done using minimally invasive or transcatheter procedures. Others require surgery. Valve repair may be an option for some types of heart valve disease.
• Valve replacement may be performed through open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), also called TAVI.

Is it possible to treat valve diseases with medications alone?

Many heart valve conditions can’t be treated with medication alone. However, when valve disease is mild, medications may help manage symptoms and support heart health for a longer period.

Medications may be prescribed to:

• Reduce symptoms associated with mild heart valve disease
• Help control heart rate
• Lower the risk of blood clots and stroke

Heart valve disease may worsen over time. When symptoms develop or the condition becomes severe, not receiving treatment can lead to serious health problems. Many people who receive appropriate treatment have better health and quality of life. 

What happens if heart valve disease is left untreated?

Heart valve disease should not be ignored. A person may feel well and have no symptoms for years. But when symptoms such as chest pain, fainting or shortness of breath develop, serious complications can occur.

Choosing the right treatment involves more than medical factors alone. Personal values, preferences and life goals are important considerations. People with heart valve disease should work closely with their healthcare team to make informed treatment decisions together.

What are the risks of heart valve surgery?

As with any surgery or procedure, there are risks. Because every person is different, the healthcare team will discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment option and help determine the best approach for you.
People with damaged, repaired or replaced heart valves have a higher risk of developing an infection of the valve called infective endocarditis.

Does dental work increase the risk of infection in people with heart valve disease?

It depends. For people with heart valve disease who are not at the highest risk of serious complications from endocarditis, antibiotics are not routinely suggested before dental procedures.

If a person has had heart valve surgery but hasn’t had a heart valve replaced, the cardiologist or surgeon can decide if antibiotics are needed before dental treatment.

Learn more about recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis to help prevent endocarditis.

What if heart valve disease doesn’t need treatment right away?

Some people with heart valve disease may not need treatment right away. But regular follow-up care is important because valve disease can change over time.

A healthcare professional may track:

• Blood flow through the valve
• Pressure around the valve
• Symptoms
• Signs of changes in the heart or blood vessels

Keeping scheduled follow-up appointments is an important part of managing heart valve disease and helping ensure treatment is started when need.

Questions to ask your healthcare team

If you have a heart valve condition or a repaired or replaced heart valve, you may want to ask your healthcare team these questions:

• Are there any limits on physical activity or exercise?
• Should I monitor my heart rate during exercise?
• Which symptoms should I track and report?
• Does my valve condition increase the risk of a medical emergency?
• How important is regular follow-up care?
• How often should I schedule regular follow-up appointments?
• Does the healthcare team’s office help schedule appointments or send reminders?

If a heart valve condition is mild and not causing symptoms or damage to your heart, your healthcare professional may recommend healthy lifestyle habits and regular monitoring. Together, you and your care team may decide that careful observation is the best approach.

New or worsening symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or fainting, may be a sign that the valve condition is getting worse. When the heart has to work harder than normal, it may be time to discuss heart valve replacement and repair options with the healthcare team.

Additional resources:

• Pre-surgery checklist: Facing and Recovering from Major Surgery (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
• Aortic Stenosis Discussion Guide: Get the most out of your appointment (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
• Aortic Stenosis: Considerations for Replacing Your Aortic Valve (PDF)
• Telehealth Tips for Heart Valve Patients (PDF)
• Recovery Milestones Checklist (PDF) | Recovery Milestones Checklist Spanish (PDF)