My Heart Score - Community Service and Wellness Programs - Glossary of Terms
		Heart Valve Replacement/Repair Your heart valves are doorways that open and close to direct blood to flow as it is pumped between the upper and lower heart chambers. When heart valve disease occurs, the valve may not open all of the way (stenosis). When this occurs less blood is circulated with each heart beat. Valvular disease can also involve problems with complete valve closure (insufficiency). When this occurs the blood may leak in a backward direction. With either of these abnormalities the heart must work harder to circulate blood and oxygen to the body tissues. Both problems can be corrected with surgery. During valve repair surgery, stenosis can be repaired by cutting or separating parts of the valve to allow more blood to flow through. Valvular insufficiency can be repaired by strengthening or shortening parts of the valve. If the valve cannot be repaired it can be replaced with a tissue valve taken from a cow, a pig, or another human. Valves can also be replaced with mechanical, manmade materials.