Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart's valves do not function properly, leading to a range of health issues. Understanding the causes of heart valve disease is crucial for prevention and management. Below are some primary causes that contribute to this condition:

1. Age-Related Degeneration: As individuals age, heart valves can undergo wear and tear. This natural degeneration can lead to calcification, particularly affecting the aortic and mitral valves. The aging process decreases the elasticity of these valves, making them less effective.

2. Congenital Heart Defects: Some individuals are born with structural issues in their heart valves. Conditions such as a bicuspid aortic valve—which has only two leaflets instead of three—can lead to stenosis (narrowing) over time, resulting in heart valve disease.

3. Rheumatic Fever: Rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat, can cause inflammation in the heart, affecting the heart valves. This condition can lead to scarring and damage, often manifesting years after the initial infection.

4. Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, which can damage the heart valves. Bacterial or fungal infections can cause vegetations on the valves, impairing their ability to function properly.

5. Other Medical Conditions: Various health issues can contribute to heart valve disease. For instance, conditions such as lupus or Marfan syndrome can lead to valve abnormalities. These diseases may cause the connective tissues, which support the heart valves, to weaken.

6. High Blood Pressure: Chronic high blood pressure can increase the workload on the heart and its valves. Over time, this can lead to enlargement and dysfunction of the heart valves, contributing to disease.

7. Lifestyle Factors: Poor lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diet, smoking, and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of heart disease, including heart valve disease. These factors can lead to conditions like heart failure and arrhythmias, impacting valve health.

8. Radiation Therapy: Individuals who have received radiation treatment for nearby cancers may experience damage to the heart valves. This treatment can lead to fibrosis and calcification, impacting valve function in the long term.

In summary, heart valve disease can arise from a variety of causes, including age, congenital defects, infections, and lifestyle factors. Early diagnosis and proactive management are essential in addressing these causes to maintain heart health and prevent serious complications.