Medications for Heart Valve Disease Symptoms
Quick Facts
- Medications may help manage symptoms and lower the risk of complications in people with heart valve disease.
- Medications cannot repair or replace a damaged heart valve.
How do medications help with heart valve disease?
People with heart valve disease may be prescribed medications to help manage symptoms and lower the risk of complications. Medications can also help treat related conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart failure or atrial fibrillation.
Can medications replace valve repair or replacement?
No. Medications do not repair or replace a damaged heart valve. For example, medications cannot stop a valve from leaking or open a valve that has become too narrow. They help relieve symptoms and may help prevent complications.
In some cases, medication may be the best treatment option. This may apply to people with mild valve disease or those who are not candidates for a valve procedure.
When is a heart valve procedure needed?
As heart valve disease progresses, a valve repair or valve replacement procedure may become necessary. Your healthcare team can help you understand your treatment options and determine what’s best for you.
Common medications for heart valve disease
Here are some of the medications that may be prescribed to help manage symptoms and related conditions in people with heart valve disease.
| Medication Class | How It May Help |
| ACE inhibitors and ARBs | Relaxes blood vessels, which may help lower blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to pump blood |
| Anti-arrhythmic medications | Help manage certain abnormal heart rhythms |
| Antibiotics | May be used in select high-risk patients to help prevent infective endocarditis during certain medical or dental procedures |
| Anticoagulants | Help reduce the risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke |
| Beta-blockers | Help reduce the heart’s workload by slowing the heart rate |
| Diuretics ("water pills") | Help remove excess fluid from the body, reducing strain on the heart |
| Vasodilators | Relax and widen the blood vessels, which can reduce the heart’s workload |
Additional resources:
- Print our medicine chart to help you keep track (PDF)
- Also available in Spanish (PDF)
