Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click here.

Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Heart Valve Disease

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The heart has four chambers and four valves. The valves open and close with each heartbeat to push blood forward. A valve can fail to function properly, either because it starts to leak blood backwards or because the valve starts to narrow, preventing forward flow of blood through the heart. These problems can be caused by infection, age, heart attacks, or birth abnormalities, even in an older person. Patients with mild heart valve disease may have mild symptoms that go unnoticed, while those with more serious disease may experience symptoms that include chest pain, fatigue, leg swelling, and shortness of breath, among others. Surgery may be required to repair or replace the malfunctioning valve.

Aortic Valve Disease

What are the stages of Aortic Valve Disease?

Healthy

Aortic Valve - Healthy: Closed
Aortic Valve - Healthy: Closed
 
Aortic Valve - Healthy: Open
Aortic Valve - Healthy: Open

Mild

Aortic Valve - Diseased (Mild): Closed
Aortic Valve - Diseased (Mild): Closed
 
Aortic Valve - Diseased (Mild): Open
Aortic Valve - Diseased (Mild): Open

Moderate

Aortic Valve - Diseased (Moderate): Closed
Aortic Valve - Diseased (Moderate): Closed
 
Aortic Valve - Diseased (Moderate): Open
Aortic Valve - Diseased (Moderate): Open

Severe

Aortic Valve - Diseased (Severe): Closed
Aortic Valve - Diseased (Severe): Closed
 
Aortic Valve - Diseased (Severe): Open
Aortic Valve - Diseased (Severe): Open

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Cardiac Surgery

Our cardiac surgery team works with all of your providers, as well as you and your family, to treat heart issues that require surgical treatment.
Cardiac Surgery
department

Cardiovascular Center

Our expert, multidisciplinary team offers a wide range of services to both treat and prevent cardiac diseases and conditions. From stents to smoking cessation, we can help you kee…
Cardiovascular Center