Bethany Lutheran College public health program

The heart has four valves that regulate the flow of blood through the heart's four chambers. Each valve consists of flaps that regulate blood flow to adjacent chambers, closing tightly to prevent blood from flowing backwards. In many cases, heart valve disease progresses slowly, so symptoms may not reflect the severity of heart valve disease. In general, faulty valves create abnormal heart sounds, such as murmurs and clicks, that can be heard with a stethoscope. An echocardiogram also may be called for in order to confirm the diagnosis. Further diagnostic information can be obtained with CT-angiography and cardiac MRI.

Coronary artery disease occurs when the coronary arteries become hardened and narrowed, due to the buildup of fatty deposits known as atherosclerosis, which restricts the flow of blood. Heart disease is a condition where the heart muscle grows progressively weaker, and cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs for oxygen. Failure can also stem from problems with the heart's valves, rheumatic heart disease, bacterial infections, and congenital defects. Common symptoms of heart disease are fatigue, swelling of the legs, rapid weight gain, loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, and difficulty sleeping.