WHAT IS HEART VALVE FAILURE?

Heart valve disease can affect anyone. But people over 65 are at higher risk. In fact, 2.5 million people over the age of 75 have aortic stenosis, one of the most common types of heart valve disease.1,2 While its symptoms can be subtle, they shouldn’t be brushed off as "getting older." Left untreated, it can progress rapidly and unpredictably to severe aortic stenosis, also known as heart valve failure. With heart valve failure, every week counts. By delaying treatment, you’re risking hospitalization, stroke, or even death.

Leaflets: flaps of a diseased aortic valve

Aortic stenosis occurs when the flaps (or leaflets) of the aortic valve become stiff due to calcium buildup, preventing them from properly opening and closing.

Aortic stenosis is progressive. It gets worse over time.

By delaying treatment, you’re putting your life at risk

In fact, 1 in 10 people with heart valve failure who are experiencing symptoms may die within 5 weeks while waiting for their aortic valve replacement.3

Luckily, you don’t have to wait. Ask your doctor for a Heart Valve Team referral as soon as you’re diagnosed with heart valve failure. Find one here.

Graphic of a normal heart valve

Normal

Graphic of mild aortic stenosis

Mild

Graphic of moderate aortic stenosis

Moderate

Graphic of severe aortic stenosis (heart valve failure)

Severe aortic
stenosis (heart
valve failure)

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The Signs and Symptoms of Heart Valve Failure Shouldn’t Be Ignored

If symptoms do show up, your condition may be serious. Don't wait. Get a referral to a Heart Valve Team today. Here are some common heart valve failure symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue (low energy)
  • Lightheadedness, feeling dizzy, and/or fainting
  • Difficulty walking short distances
  • Swollen ankles and feet
  • Rapid, fluttering heartbeat

Do any of these describe how you’re feeling? Ask to be seen by a Heart Valve Team.

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What is TAVR?

If you’re waiting for just the right time to treat your heart valve failure, the time is now. See how TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) can help.

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References: 1.Osnabrugge RL, Mylotte D, Head SJ, et al. Aortic stenosis in the elderly: disease prevalence and number of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a meta-analysis and modeling study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013;62(11):1002-1012. 2.U.S. Census Bureau. S0101: AGE AND SEX – Census Bureau Table. Accessed May 20, 2025. https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S0101?q=age&g=010XX00US&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S0101 3.Malaisrie SC, McDonald E, Kruse J, et al. Mortality while waiting for aortic valve replacement. Ann Thorac Surg. 2014;98(5):1564-1571.

Patients and/or clinicians quoted on this website have received compensation from Edwards Lifesciences.