Heart valve cells can be damaged through
Regurgitation/Insufficiency (leaky valve) - the valve does not close properly and allows blood to flow backward as well as forward in the heart. The valves in your heart may be damaged due to infection, rheumatic heart disease, wear and tear, tissue weakening or deterioration, or birth (congenital) defects.egurgitation/Insufficiency (leaky valve) - the valve does not close properly and allows blood to flow backward as well as forward in the heart. The valves in your heart may be damaged due to infection, rheumatic heart disease, wear and tear, tissue weakening or deterioration, or birth (congenital) defects.