Some heart valve problems are present at birth. Others can be caused by:
- Normal wear and tear from aging
- Heart damage from a heart attack, coronary artery disease (blocked arteries), or heart failure
- Rheumatic heart disease caused by rheumatic fever
- Buildup of calcium or fat deposits on heart valves
- Thinning or tearing of the tissues that support the valve
- Damage from high blood pressure or kidney disease
- Certain connective tissue diseases that affect the heart valves. Connective tissues are the building blocks of skin, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones.
- Heart damage from serious infections, known as endocarditis
Last Updated May 2026