The valves in the heart are located between the four chambers and keep the blood flowing in the right direction. These valves can be damaged from heart disease, congenital defect, injury or from infection. These types of damage can lead to valvular insufficiency or regurgitation, also called a "leaky valve." The heart valves do not close completely and allow blood to flow backwards resulting in regurgitant flow. This condition can then lead to further complications and concerns in the heart muscle and cardiac system.
Arrhythmias
According to National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, leaky valves from mitral valve prolapse can lead to heart arrhythmias that may be harmless or can be serious and life threatening. Atrial fibrillation is one type of arrhythmia that results from a leaky valve which is bothersome but rarely serious. However, if the atria contract too quickly or blood pools they can form clots that can break off and reach the brain causing stroke.
Endocarditis
According to MayoClinic.com, an abnormal valve, leaky valve or mitral valve prolapse can increase the risk of infection inside the heart. The inside of the heart muscle is lined with a thin membrane called the endocardium. An infection on this membrane will cause further damage to the valve and increase the amount of leakage or insufficiency.
Reduced Exercise Tolerance
According to MedlinePlus.com, patients who suffer from a leaky valve can also experience fatigue, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and cough, especially after exercise. This will decrease the ability of an individual to tolerate exercise. As the disease progresses, it will also impact their ability to tolerate daily living activities, such as walking upstairs or carrying groceries.
Heart Failure
According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, a failing aortic valve can also result in leakage of blood back into the heart. The extra work can result in heart failure. Early symptoms may only be noticeable with exercise, but after the disease progresses the patient may not be able to sleep flat in bed or may awaken from sleep short of breath. Patients may notice swelling of the hands or feet, more prominently during the afternoon and evening. Patients are more at risk to develop varicose veins in the legs and groin. The extra workload may also result in chest pain that is similar to that of a heart attack and dizziness, light headedness or fainting from lack of oxygen to the brain.
