Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Doctor Warns of Early Signs of Failing Heart Valves
The heart has four doors called valves that help blood move in the right direction.
A valve can become too narrow or fail to close properly, making the heart work harder.
In India, this often happens years after a childhood throat infection causes rheumatic fever.
The problem may affect young people, especially women, and can remain hidden for a long time.
Warning signs include getting out of breath easily, unusual tiredness, chest discomfort, a racing heartbeat, or swelling.
A doctor may also hear an unusual sound called a heart murmur.
Pregnancy can make an undiagnosed valve problem worse because the heart has to work harder.
Treating serious sore throats in childhood and seeking medical care for new or worsening symptoms can help.
Rheumatic heart disease is a major cause of heart-valve disease in India, often following untreated childhood throat infections.
The disease commonly affects younger people, with patients presenting at a median age of 28 and women making up 66–72% of cases.
Breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, palpitations, swelling, and fainting may signal worsening valve disease.
Rheumatic heart disease accounts for an estimated 40–50% of cardiac disease diagnosed during pregnancy in India.
Early treatment of childhood throat infections and timely heart checks can help prevent or manage valve damage.
- Who
- People in India with rheumatic heart disease, particularly young adults and women, are the main focus; the guidance is provided by Dr Rockey Katheria.
- What
- The article explains heart-valve failure, its symptoms, its connection to rheumatic heart disease, and steps for early detection and care.
- When
- Valve damage may appear years after a childhood throat infection; symptoms can emerge or worsen during adulthood or pregnancy.
- Where
- The issue is discussed in the context of India, with a heavier burden reported in rural areas than urban areas.
- Why
- Untreated childhood throat infections can lead to rheumatic fever and lasting valve damage, while early recognition may improve treatment options and outcomes.
- Estimated RHD prevalence in India
- 1.5 to 2 per 1,000 people, or approximately 2 to 2.5 million cases.
- Commonly affected valve
- The mitral valve is involved in 65–70% of rheumatic valve cases.
- Typical patient age
- Patients commonly present at a median age of 28 years.
- Women affected
- Women account for approximately 66–72% of affected people.
- Pregnancy risk
- Rheumatic heart disease accounts for an estimated 40–50% of cardiac disease diagnosed during pregnancy in India.
- Rural-urban prevalence
- Reported prevalence is 2.2 per 1,000 in rural India versus 1.23 per 1,000 in urban areas.
- Reported annual deaths
- An estimated 88,674 deaths were attributed to rheumatic heart disease in a single year.