Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart's four valves (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary) don't open or close properly. A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, often caused by turbulent blood flow through a damaged valve.
Dr Matthew Balerdi provides private valve assessment including echocardiography in Hull, Grimsby and Scunthorpe. Appointments typically available within 1-2 weeks.
Your heart has four valves that act like one-way doors, ensuring blood flows in the correct direction through your heart chambers. When these valves don't work properly, it can affect your heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
The four heart valves are:
Mitral Valve
Between left atrium and left ventricle
Aortic Valve
Between left ventricle and aorta
Tricuspid Valve
Between right atrium and right ventricle
Pulmonary Valve
Between right ventricle and pulmonary artery
Valve becomes narrowed or stiff, reducing blood flow
Valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak backwards
Valve doesn't form properly (usually congenital)
Heart murmurs are extra or unusual sounds heard during a heartbeat. They can be:
Innocent Murmurs
Normal sounds with no heart problems, common in children and athletes
Abnormal Murmurs
May indicate valve problems or other heart conditions requiring evaluation
While many valve problems have no symptoms, you should seek evaluation if you experience:
Present from birth:
Develop over time:
Our advanced diagnostic services can accurately assess valve function and detect murmurs, providing you with the information needed for proper management.
Thorough cardiac examination to detect murmurs and assess heart valve function.
Advanced ultrasound imaging to visualize valve structure and assess function in detail.
Specialist assessment and guidance on monitoring, treatment options, and follow-up care.
Based on your symptoms and clinical assessment, Dr Balerdi may recommend one or more of the following investigations.
Reviewed by Dr Matthew Balerdi, Consultant Imaging Cardiologist (FRCP) — Last reviewed: April 2026
Don't worry about unexplained heart sounds or symptoms. Our expert evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind. Schedule your assessment today.