Heart valve diseases can be caused by various factors, including:
- Congenital Heart Defects: Some people are born with abnormal valves that may cause problems later in life.
- Age-Related Changes: As people age, the heart valves can become thickened or calcified, leading to stenosis.
- Infections: Conditions like rheumatic fever or infective endocarditis can damage the heart valves.
- Other Heart Conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or heart failure can contribute to valve disease.
- Radiation Therapy: Past radiation treatments to the chest can lead to valve issues over time. Understanding the cause of valve disease is essential for choosing the most effective treatment.