What condition refers to damage or calcification of the heart valves?

Valvular heart disease specifically pertains to the dysfunction or damage of one or more of the heart valves, which can involve various conditions, including calcification. This damage may hinder the proper opening and closing of the valves, leading to potential heart failure or other cardiac issues. The calcification often develops due to age, rheumatic fever, or other underlying health conditions that affect the heart.

In contrast, atherosclerosis primarily involves the buildup of plaque in the arteries rather than affecting the heart valves directly. Hypertensive heart disease arises from chronic high blood pressure which can lead to changes in the heart muscle but does not specifically refer to valvular damage. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle itself, affecting its size, shape, and ability to pump blood, rather than specifically addressing heart valves. Thus, valvular heart disease accurately reflects the condition characterized by damage or calcification of heart valves.