Valve Repair Hub
Heart valve disease can cause significant strain on the heart and lead to symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, or chest discomfort. At CardioOne Heart Centre in Chermside, our Valve Repair Hub offers clear guidance on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of valve disease. Here, patients and referrers can learn how mitral and tricuspid valve repair procedures help restore normal heart function, with expert care available close to home.
What is Valve Repair?
Valve repair is a surgical or minimally invasive procedure to correct heart valves that are leaking (regurgitation) or narrowed (stenosis). Unlike valve replacement, repair preserves the patient’s own tissue, which can improve heart function and reduce the need for long-term anticoagulation.
Modern techniques, including minimally invasive mitral valve repair and advanced catheter-based procedures, allow many patients to achieve excellent outcomes with shorter recovery times.
Causes and Risk Factors of Valve Disease
Valve problems may be caused by:
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Age-related changes – gradual wear and tear of the valves
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Congenital valve abnormalities – such as bicuspid valves
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Rheumatic fever – a condition that can scar valve tissue
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Endocarditis – infection of the heart valves
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Other heart conditions – including coronary artery disease or heart attack
Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a family history of heart disease.
Symptoms of Valve Disease
Valve disease symptoms can develop gradually and may include:
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Shortness of breath, particularly during activity or at night
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Fatigue or reduced ability to exercise
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Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
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Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen
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Chest pain, discomfort, or pressure
These symptoms should not be ignored. If untreated, valve disease can lead to worsening heart failure and reduced quality of life.
Diagnosing Valve Disease
At CardioOne Heart Centre, diagnosis involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation supported by imaging and tests such as:
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Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
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Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) for detailed valve views
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Cardiac MRI or CT scans
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Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm
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Cardiac catheterisation, when necessary
These investigations help determine whether valve repair or valve replacement is the best option.
Treatment Options
Treatment for valve disease depends on the severity and the valve affected:
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Valve repair – surgical or minimally invasive approaches to restore valve function
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Valve replacement – using either mechanical or biological prosthetic valves
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Medication – to control symptoms or stabilise heart function before surgery
At CardioOne, our Heart Team carefully reviews each patient to recommend the safest and most effective pathway.
Living with a Repaired Valve
After valve repair, most patients experience improved energy and reduced symptoms. Recovery varies depending on whether the procedure is performed via open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive approach.
Ongoing follow-up is essential and may include:
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Regular cardiology reviews
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Repeat echocardiograms to monitor valve function
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Adjustments to medication as needed
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Lifestyle advice to protect long-term heart health
CardioOne Specialises in Valve Repair
At CardioOne, our patients benefit from specialist expertise in both surgical and minimally invasive valve repair. Each patient is assessed by a multidisciplinary Heart Team, ensuring treatment is tailored to individual needs. With care delivered locally in Chermside, patients have convenient access to world-class treatment and ongoing monitoring, providing continuity and reassurance at every stage.