How do I know if my heart valves are blocked?

The most reliable way is through an echocardiogram, which gives a clear picture of how each valve is opening and closing and how blood is flowing through it. A heart murmur picked up during a physical examination is often the first sign that warrants further investigation.

What are the four stages of aortic stenosis?

Stage A is at-risk with no valve changes yet, Stage B is mild to moderate narrowing without symptoms, Stage C is severe narrowing without symptoms, and Stage D is severe narrowing with symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, or fainting. Stage D typically requires intervention.

Can aortic stenosis be cured?

Aortic stenosis cannot be reversed with medication, but it can be effectively treated. Replacing or repairing the narrowed valve, either surgically or through a catheter-based procedure like TAVR, restores normal blood flow and significantly improves outcomes and quality of life.

What are the first signs of mitral stenosis?

The earliest signs are often breathlessness during exertion, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. Some people also develop palpitations related to atrial fibrillation, which is a common complication of mitral stenosis. A murmur is typically detected during examination before symptoms become prominent.

Is a heart murmur always a sign of valve blockage?

Not always. Many murmurs are innocent and do not indicate structural heart disease. However, certain murmur characteristics are strongly associated with valve stenosis and should always be followed up with an echocardiogram to rule out a significant problem.

How often should heart valve disease be monitored?

This depends on the stage and type of valve disease. Mild stenosis may require an echocardiogram every three to five years, while moderate or severe disease is typically reviewed annually or more frequently. Your cardiologist will set an appropriate monitoring schedule based on your specific findings.

What is the difference between heart valve blockage and a coronary blockage?

A heart valve blockage (stenosis) is a narrowing of the valve itself, restricting blood flow through the heart’s chambers. A coronary blockage is a buildup of plaque inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Both can cause chest pain and breathlessness, but they are diagnosed and treated differently.

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About The Author

Dr. Ankur U. Phatarpekar M.D., D.M., FSCAI

With over 15 years of expertise, Dr. Phatarpekar is recognised as a renowned interventional cardiologist in Mumbai, specialising in complex coronary interventions, structural heart procedures, and pioneering work in TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation).

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2026-08-31