I08: Multiple valve diseases

Multiple valve diseases refer to conditions that involve two or more heart valves being diseased or dysfunctional. In the heart, there are four valves: the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonic valves. These valves serve to regulate blood flow in a specific direction through the heart and the rest of the body. Multiple valve diseases could occur due to several reasons such as aging, birth defects, rheumatic fever, or infections. Symptoms may vary from person to person but can include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, swelling of your abdomen or legs, and chest pain. As the illness progresses, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively can decrease, leading to further complications such as heart failure. Multiple valve diseases largely affect the cardiovascular system, specifically the heart and blood vessels.