What causes valve failure?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

Heart valve failure—whether affecting the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, or pulmonary valves—can be caused by several congenital, degenerative, or infectious conditions. The most common cause in developed nations is valvular degeneration or calcification, where calcium deposits stiffen the valve leaflets over time, restricting blood flow or causing regurgitation. Other major causes include rheumatic fever (resulting from untreated streptococcal infections), infectious endocarditis (bacterial infections damaging valve tissue), mitral valve prolapse, connective tissue disorders, chest trauma, and high blood pressure enlarging heart chambers and pulling valves apart.

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