Valvular heart disease affects the flow of blood into and out of the heart. This primarily occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves begins to narrow or leak. Without a healthy supply of blood, heart failure may occur. The cause of the condition depends on the valve affected — coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart valve infection are common factors. Symptoms of the condition include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the legs, and abdominal pain. In advanced cases, the patient may require valve repair or replacement.

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