Heart valve disease happens when one or more of the valves in your heart do not work the way they should. The heart has four valves—the aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves.
These valves act like doors that open and close with every heartbeat. Their job is to make sure blood flows in the right direction through the heart and to the rest of the body.
When a valve doesn’t open or close properly, blood flow can be affected. This can cause symptoms and serious health problems. Knowing the warning signs can help people get help early.
One common sign is shortness of breath. This can happen during physical activity or even while lying down. It happens when a faulty valve causes blood to back up into the lungs. When fluid builds up in the lungs, it becomes harder to breathe.
Feeling tired, or fatigue, is also very common. If the heart cannot pump enough blood, the body won’t get the oxygen it needs. People may feel exhausted doing everyday activities.
Another sign is swelling in the ankles, feet, or belly. When the heart is weak, fluid can build up in the body. This can also lead to sudden weight gain because the body is holding extra water.
Heart palpitations may also happen. This means feeling like your heart is racing, fluttering, or pounding. These feelings can occur when the heart is not able to beat in a regular rhythm due to valve trouble.
Chest pain may occur too, especially if the aortic valve is not working well. The pain might come during exercise or any time the heart has to work harder.
Some people feel dizzy or even faint. This can happen when not enough blood reaches the brain. Poor blood flow caused by a valve issue can lead to lightheadedness.
Doctors may also hear a heart murmur, which is a sound made by blood moving in an unusual way through the heart. You won’t feel it, but a doctor can hear it through a stethoscope. It often sounds like a whooshing or swishing noise.
These symptoms can appear slowly and might be mild at first. Some people don’t have symptoms for years, while others notice changes more quickly. It’s easy to think these signs are just part of getting older or due to other health problems. That’s why it’s important to speak to a doctor if any of these symptoms appear.
Doctors can check for heart valve disease by asking about symptoms, doing a physical exam, and using tests like an echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart and shows how the valves are working.
If the disease is found early, it can often be treated with medicine or surgery to fix or replace the valve.
Heart valve disease can affect your life, but if you know the signs and get help early, treatment can make a big difference. Many people who get treatment are able to live active and healthy lives.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
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