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Heart Health

Heart Valve Disease in Older Adults

Valve problems become more common with age, and an echo is the main way to find them.

The Echo Journal2 min read
Doctor talking with an older patient in a hospital bed
Photo: National Cancer Institute / Unsplash

Your heart has four valves that keep blood moving in the right direction. Over time, a valve can stiffen and narrow, which is called stenosis. It can also stop closing fully and leak, which is called regurgitation.

Aortic stenosis is especially common in older adults. Symptoms like breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness or tiring easily are sometimes mistaken for normal aging.

Echocardiography is the main test for diagnosing valve disease and tracking it over time. Catching changes early gives patients and their doctors more options. If a murmur is heard during a checkup, an echo is often the next step.

For general information only. Not a substitute for medical advice.

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