What Are the Causes of a Torn Heart Valve?

Although the heart valves are located deep within the heart, they may become damaged in a variety of ways. The causes of a torn heart valve range from physical injury to internal infections.

Identification

• The heart contains four valves, which ensure that blood flows in only one direction through the areas of the heart. A torn heart valve will allow blood to leak backwards, interrupting the normal flow of blood through the heart.

Heart Attack

• During a heart attack, the spasms of the heart may cause the papillary muscles to tear. Since the papillary muscles attach directly to the heart valve, this often causes the heart valve to tear as well.

Trauma

• A torn heart valve may occur from direct trauma to the heart. Common causes of heart trauma include falls, vehicular accidents and objects puncturing the chest.

Endocarditis

• Endocarditis occurs when bacteria or germs enter the bloodstream and attach to the surfaces of the heart valves. The germs proceed to attach to the valve, causing tears and holes in the heart valve tissue.

Rheumatic Fever

• Rheumatic fever is a common infection of the heart valve; it causes rheumatic heart disease. The infection itself does not cause damage to the heart valve. Instead, the antibodies produced by the body to fight the infection cause inflammation, scarring and tears of the heart valve.