Heart valve disease is a condition where one or more of the heart's four valves do not function properly, leading to potential complications such as heart failure, blood clots, or valve rupture. The most common types of heart valve disease include mitral valve prolapse, aortic valve stenosis, and mitral regurgitation. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, imaging tests such as echocardiograms, and treatment may include medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery to repair or replace the affected valve. Ongoing research in this area focuses on improving diagnostic methods, developing new treatment options, and understanding the underlying causes of heart valve disease.