Transforming growth factor β-1 (TGF-β1) is an immunosuppressive cytokine. It exerts cardioprotection during acute myocardial ischaemia, promoting healing of the injured myocytes. Lower plasma concentrations of TGF-β1 have been identified in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to those with normal coronary arteries. We measured plasma TGF-β1 concentrations in patients with CAD compared to those with degenerative heart valves (DHVs) and normal coronary arteries. The mean concentration of TGF-β1 in patients with valvular heart disease was significantly lower (18.67 μg/l) than the mean in the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) group (26.46 μg/l). There was no correlation between the patient characteristics and preoperative concentration of TGF-β1. It is possible that the lower plasma concentration of TGF-β1 in patients with valvular heart disease and the lack of its regulatory effect results in the increased inflammation and calcification seen in DHVs.