Symptoms of Valvular Heart Disease
The valves of the heart regulate the movement of blood between the four chambers of the heart. They open to let blood into the chambers and close to prevent blood from flowing back the wrong way. Sometimes infections or other factors can cause these valves to deteriorate [4] and drop in efficiency. If this happens, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath that worsens when you lie flat on your back or carry out normal tasks
- Heart palpitations
- Discomfort in your chest that feels like there is increased pressure in it
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
In more severe cases, symptoms may include:
- Unexpected rapid weight gain
- Edema that affects the feet and abdomen