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After nearly two decades of decline, valvular heart disease death rates have increased from 2018 to 2023 and are predicted to remain elevated through 2040, according to independent, new preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2026, held Nov. 6–9 in Chicago.

Heart valve disease is an umbrella term for conditions that arise when any of the heart's four valves—aortic, mitral, pulmonary or tricuspid—stop working properly. According to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, more than 80 million people worldwide live with heart valve disease and the number is growing. In the U.S., heart valve disease contributes to more than 57,000 deaths each year.

"Heart valve disease is an increasingly important health concern as the U.S. population ages, but information has been limited on just how much specific populations are currently impacted and what trends are expected for the future," said study author Hritvik Jain, M.D., a resident physician in internal medicine at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

"Our study found that the decades-long decline in deaths from heart valve disease has stopped. As the U.S. population continues to age, we need to focus on earlier detection, timely treatment and equitable access to specialized valve care, particularly for the oldest adults and those living in rural communities."

S. S. adults ages 65 and older. They evaluated death rate trends, examined generational and age-related patterns and used statistical software to forecast death rates through 2040.

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