Aging & Health A to Z

Heart Valve Problems

Common Cardiac Tests

Lifestyle & Management

You can’t really prevent heart valve problems, because they’re most often due to normal wear and tear on your heart as you get older.  But, you can manage your risk factors for other conditions, such as coronary artery disease, that can lead to heart valve problems. 

This includes taking steps to manage:

• high blood pressure
• obesity
• high cholesterol levels
• quitting smoking.

However, if you have been diagnosed with a heart valve problem, be sure to discuss your amount and level of physical activity with your healthcare professional. He or she may recommend that you limit strenuous activity to avoid overworking your heart if your valve is severely damaged.

Updated: March 2012
Posted:  March 2012