<s>[INST] What Causes Heart Valve Disease? [/INST] Heart valve disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic conditions, degeneration, infections or other medical conditions. As adults age, they become more likely to suffer valvular heart disease, but heart valve disease in young adults is also possible with a genetic condition or an increase in risk factors. Studies show men may develop heart valve disease at a younger age than women.

Risk factors for heart valve damage vary according to the type of disease and may include one or more of the following:

Heart attack
Infection
Aging
Congenital birth defect
Syphilis
Myxomatous degeneration, an inherited connective tissue disorder
History of rheumatic fever Source: BRIGHAM AND WOMENS. Link: https://www.brighamandwomens.org/heart-and-vascular-center/diseases-and-conditions/heart-valve-disease. Field: Cardiovascular. Disease: Heart Valve Disease </s>