The heart has four chambers and four valves. The valves open and close with each heartbeat to push blood forward. A valve can fail to function properly, either because it starts to leak blood backwards or because the valve starts to narrow, preventing forward flow of blood through the heart. These problems can be caused by infection, age, heart attacks, or birth abnormalities, even in an older person. Patients with mild heart valve disease may have mild symptoms that go unnoticed, while those with more serious disease may experience symptoms that include chest pain, fatigue, leg swelling, and shortness of breath, among others. [Surgery](/node/144990) may be required to repair or replace the malfunctioning valve.

## Aortic Valve Disease

### What are the stages of Aortic Valve Disease?

#### Healthy

 ![Aortic Valve - Healthy: Closed](/sites/default/files/inline-images/valve_healthy_closed.png) 

 Aortic Valve - Healthy: Closed 





 ![Aortic Valve - Healthy: Open](/sites/default/files/inline-images/valve_healthy_open.png) 

 Aortic Valve - Healthy: Open 



#### Mild

 ![Aortic Valve - Diseased (Mild): Closed](/sites/default/files/inline-images/valve_mild_closed.png) 

 Aortic Valve - Diseased (Mild): Closed 





 ![Aortic Valve - Diseased (Mild): Open](/sites/default/files/inline-images/valve_mild_open.png) 

 Aortic Valve - Diseased (Mild): Open 



#### Moderate

 ![Aortic Valve - Diseased (Moderate): Closed](/sites/default/files/inline-images/valve_moderate_closed.png) 

 Aortic Valve - Diseased (Moderate): Closed 





 ![Aortic Valve - Diseased (Moderate): Open](/sites/default/files/inline-images/valve_moderate_open.png) 

 Aortic Valve - Diseased (Moderate): Open 



#### Severe

 ![Aortic Valve - Diseased (Severe): Closed](/sites/default/files/inline-images/valve_severe_closed.png) 

 Aortic Valve - Diseased (Severe): Closed 





 ![Aortic Valve - Diseased (Severe): Open](/sites/default/files/inline-images/valve_severe_open.png) 

 Aortic Valve - Diseased (Severe): Open 





 

 ## Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

  department###  [Cardiac Surgery](/departments/cardiovascular-center/cardiac-surgery) 

 The cardiac surgery program within the Cardiovascular Center provides diagnosis and surgical treatment for heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, valve disorders, and s… 

 

 

  department###  [Cardiovascular Center](/departments/cardiovascular-center) 

 A department providing cardiology care for heart and vascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disorders, and vascular disease, wit… 

 

 

  department###  [Preventive Cardiology](/departments/cardiovascular-center/preventive-cardiology) 

 A program within the Cardiovascular Center providing preventive cardiology care to reduce risk for heart disease, manage cholesterol and blood pressure, and support heart health t…