What is the most prevalent heart valve disease?

Aortic stenosis is recognized as the most prevalent heart valve disease, particularly among older populations. This condition often results from age-related calcification of the aortic valve, leading to restricted blood flow from the heart into the aorta. As the population ages, the incidence of aortic stenosis has risen, particularly in individuals over the age of 70. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and syncope, which can severely impact the quality of life and overall cardiovascular health.

In contrast, other heart valve diseases such as mitral regurgitation, tricuspid stenosis, and pulmonary regurgitation may be present but are less common in the general population. While mitral regurgitation can also be widespread, especially in patients with other types of heart disease, aortic stenosis remains the leading condition due to its direct association with aging and the high prevalence of calcific degeneration.