The heart contains four valves---the mitral valve, the tricuspid valve, the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve---that direct the flow of blood through the four chambers of the heart. The valves consist of leaflets, or cusps, connected to fibrous strings and muscles that allow them to open and close in conjunction with the contractions of the heart. Damage to any one of the heart valves due to infection such as rheumatic fever, heart attack or other condition, interferes with the flow of blood resulting in noticeable symptoms.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is the sensation of not getting enough air. Shortness of breath occurs when the cells throughout the body fail to receive enough oxygen, which can result from many conditions affecting the heart and lungs. Damage to a heart valve allows blood to leak backward which decreases the normal flow of blood to the body. A decrease blood flow decreases the amount of oxygen reaching the cells, therefore causing the shortness of breath. Shortness of breath due to valve damage can occur during times of activity and when lying flat in bed, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitation describes a feeling of fluttering, rapid or pounding heartbeat. Although usually caused by stress, anxiety, exercise or medications, and is therefore harmless, heart palpitations may indicate the presence of a serious condition, according to MayoClinic.com. Damaged heart valves may not open and close completely which can cause irregular heartbeats that may feel like skipped beats or a rapid heart rhythm.
Dizziness
Dizziness, a general term used to describe feeling faint, lightheaded, weak or unsteady, can occur due to heart valve damage. The decrease in blood flow caused by a leaky heart valve decreases the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the brain, leading to dizziness. Leaky heart valves can also decrease blood pressure leading to feelings of lightheadedness and fainting.
Edema
Edema, commonly called fluid retention, describes the swelling in the body, usually the hands, arms, feet ankles and legs due to the buildup of fluid. Damaged heart valves can affect the ability of the heart to effectively pump blood. Although the heart pumps harder to accommodate the backflow of blood, the blood pressure remains low. This causes blood to backup in the legs and feet resulting in edema.
Angina
Patients with heart valve damage can experience chest pain or discomfort known as angina. Mitral valve prolapse, a condition in which the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle fails to close properly, allows blood to backflow into the left atrium causing it to bulge. This can cause chest discomfort or brief episodes of stabbing pain, as described by the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
