Heart valve disease is a broad term that encompasses several disorders resulting from a malfunction in one of the heart's several valves. Heart valves play a critical role in ensuring the blood flows properly into and out of the heart. They can malfunction in two ways. If a valve does not close completely and allows blood to flow the wrong way, this is called regurgitation. If the opening of a valve becomes narrowed, or the valve becomes stiff with scar tissue, this is called stenosis. Malfunctioning heart valves cause a variety of different symptoms.
Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are one common symptom of valvular heart disease. People may experience a heartbeat that is rapid, irregular or fluttery. Some patients describe heart palpitations as feeling like heartbeats are skipped or like a "flip-flop" sensation in the chest, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Shortness of Breath
People with heart valve disease may experience shortness of breath. This is often most noticeable during times of exertion or when lying down, states the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Some people need to prop themselves up with pillows in order to breath comfortably while sleeping. Additionally, some people may wake up in the middle of the night feeling short of breath.
Weakness and Dizziness
Weakness and dizziness are symptoms reported by people with heart valve disease. The weakness can lead to extreme fatigue that prevents people from performing normal, everyday activities. In some cases, dizziness may become so intense that it causes fainting, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Swelling
Swelling, also known as edema, may result from valvular heart disease. The swelling sometimes occurs in the abdomen or stomach, leading to a bloated feeling. Swelling also frequently occurs in the feet and ankles. Occasionally, the veins in the neck may also swell. In cases of tricuspid valve malfunction, the liver may become enlarged, which also causes abdominal pain.
Weight Gain
Sometimes people with heart valve disease will rapidly gain weight. Weight gains of up to 2 or 3 pounds in a single day have been reported by heart valve disease patients, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Chest Pain
Patients with heart valve disease frequently feel a heavy weight or pressure on the chest, which often increases during physical activity or breathing cold air, warns the Cleveland Clinic. Patients may also experience chest pain, known as angina. Chest pain results when the blood vessels that supply the heart lack sufficient blood flow and become starved for oxygen.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are another symptom sometimes experienced by people with valvular heart disease. Because migraine headaches are related to blood flow in the blood vessels of the brain, the changes in blood flow caused by heart valve disease may make migraine worse or cause people to develop unexplained migraines.
Changes in Blood Pressure
Blood pressure may be affected by heart valve disease. Depending on which valves are malfunctioning, blood pressure may be increased or decreased, notes the University of Chicago Medical Center.
