What Are the First Signs of Heart Valve Problems? 5 Indicators

The heart valves operate non-stop every single day, open and close hundreds of thousands of times to keep blood moving in the proper direction. When the heart valves do not perform correctly, your body begins to send messages to alert you to potential issues. Identifying the early warning signs and acting quickly will make a difference in receiving proper care. 

Many individuals write off early warning signs as mere tiredness or simply being older; however, knowing what to look for can allow you to act sooner to prevent minor issues from becoming major complications.

Let us discuss what the early warning signs that your heart may be telling you something are. Recognizing the signals of your heart is the first step to protect your cardiovascular health.

Identify the Early Warning Signs of Heart Valve Issues

Your body communicates different types of issues differently, and so does your heart when dealing with issues of the valves. Here are 5 early warning signs that should be recognized.

1. Prolonged Fatigue That Does Not Relate to Your Level of Activity

Fatigue that is more than what is expected based upon the amount of energy required to accomplish daily task such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries can occur. It may be more difficult to accomplish these simple tasks than it was prior to the fatigue setting in. 

Because the heart is unable to pump the blood effectively, the muscles and organs in the body are deprived of oxygen. Typically, the fatigue gets worse throughout the day and does not get significantly better with rest. Some women have reported feeling fatigued as their first sign of heart valve problems.

2. Breathlessness During Normal Activities 

Shortness of breath (breathlessness) and heart valve problems are often related. You may become easily winded after performing activities that normally would not make you out of breath. 

Shortness of breath during exercise, when lying flat or even while at rest. Fluid accumulates in the lungs due to poor circulation of blood by the heart. You may also experience it waking up at night and needing to sit upright in order to breathe.

3. Chest Discomfort or Pressure

Your chest may feel tight, heavy or uncomfortable — especially during physical activity. It may not be a sharp pain but rather a dull ache or pressure that comes and goes. 

As a result of your valve malfunction, your heart muscle is deprived of oxygen-rich blood. Some people describe it as a squeezing or heavy sensation. Don’t ignore chest discomfort or pressure even if it feels mild or comes and goes.

4. Rapid or Unstable Heart Rate

Your heart rate may suddenly increase or beat erratically for no known reason. You may feel these palpitations in the center of your chest, in your throat or in your neck. 

The faulty valves put a strain on the heart muscle that disrupts the normal rhythm of the heart. Palpitations may last only a few seconds or may continue for several minutes. They may occur while performing an activity or at random while resting.

5. Swelling in Your Ankle Area, Feet, or Abdominal Area

If your heart valves are functioning improperly, fluid will accumulate in your lower extremities. By late afternoon, your ankles may swell or your feet may appear to be larger than usual due to fluid accumulation in the ankle area. 

This swelling is caused by blood backing up in the veins and fluid accumulating in the tissues surrounding the veins. Your abdominal area may also become swollen and uncomfortable. In addition, this swelling typically increases as you spend more time on your feet.

These symptoms warrant a visit to your doctor, particularly if they persist or worsen over time.

Diagnosing and Treating Heart Valve Problems

Getting a proper diagnosis starts with a conversation with your doctor about your symptoms. Physicians will use several tests to detect valve problems, such as a physical exam that can reveal the presence of murmurs, which are abnormal heart sounds. An echocardiogram can show you the heart valves and how they work. 

The test also reveals how blood flows between the chambers of your heart. Additional testing can be done through an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and a stress test to get more information.

Treatment options for patients with heart valve problems range in nature and depend on the damage to the heart valves and which valves were affected. In some instances, cases are mild and only need to be monitored or lifestyle habits changed. 

Symptoms and reduced stress on the heart can be controlled through the use of medication. In severe cases, patients may need to undergo surgical repair/replacement of the valve. Many patients benefit from less invasive, catheter-based treatment options for heart valve disease.

Age-related wear, congenital defects, rheumatic fever, infection and other heart conditions can cause valve problems. If you live in Patna, finding a board certified cardiac surgeon or cardiologist to help with your diagnosis and treatment of heart valve problems is easy. A high-quality heart hospital Patna can connect you to doctors with the most experience and access to the latest tools and technology.

It is important to find the right specialists to treat your condition, so you can be confident in your long-term health and quality of life.

Heart Health Matters. Take Action Now.

Awareness of early warning signs is important to detect heart valve issues in the initial stage and to address them before developing any complications. 

Don’t ignore the initial symptoms and wait till they get severe and start affecting your everyday life. It is not always possible to prevent heart valve disease, but having a healthy lifestyle, controlling blood pressure and regular health checkups do make a difference. Treat your heart only at the best.

If you are noticing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with the top cardiologist in Patna. 

At Big Apollo Spectra, we have a team of cardiology experts with advanced diagnosis facilities who are committed to providing the best possible care for your heart health. So don’t delay, book your appointment today and start your journey towards a healthier heart.