These diseases cause extra work for the heart and usually occur in the two left sided heart valves. Medications can be effective for some patients with heart valve disease. However, when symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath become severe enough to limit the patient's lifestyle, surgery is usually necessary. At times, heart valves can be repaired. Often, however, they must be replaced.
Biological valves are usually from a pig, cow, or human cadaver.
The major disadvantage is a tendency in certain age groups for the valve to deteriorate, and this may lead to the need for another operation at a later date. Mechanical valves are made of steel and carbon that is a very high grade, close to a diamond in hardness. The advantage of this type of valve over the biological valve is that mechanical valves are virtually indestructible. A disadvantage is that anticoagulant medication is required for the rest of the patient's life. New valves that combine the advantages of biological and mechanical valves while eliminating the disadvantages are on the horizon.