Valvular Heart Diseases
Normal heart valves function to maintain a uni-directional flow of blood through cardiac chambers. Two basic problems that compromise the normal function of the valves are stenosis and insufficiency. Stenosis is a thickening of valvular tissue. causing a narrowing of the valvular opening. Insufficiency refers to the inability of the valve to close completely, allowing blood to regurgitate.
Causes
Predominant causative factor is rheumatic fever.