Any problem with a valve makes your heart work harder. To make up for this extra workload your heart may get larger. When the heart can no longer pump adequately, heart failure may occur. Patients with minimal symptoms often remain stable for years. In these patients, medical treatment can reduce the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Medical treatment includes adjusting activity depending on the severity of symptoms.
By using a combination of medications, your heart may pump more effectively. A blood clot may form on the valve, requiring anticoagulation . Some patients may also develop an enlarged heart, heart failure, infections or an irregular heartbeat . Over time, your valve disease will worsen, so it is important that you see your family physician regularly. In the future you may need surgical repair or replacement of your heart valve .