The hearts anatomy consists of four chambers divided by four valves. Each valve is a one-way valve that ensures blood flows in one direction only. The aortic or mitral valves are the most commonly affected by disease. Patients present with a variety of symptoms when they have bad heart valves.
Heart Failure
When the heart cannot pump effectively due to a damaged heart muscle or valves that are not functioning properly, heart failure occurs. When a valve is stiff from atherosclerosis or disease, it doesn't open wide enough for the heart to pump blood out and some blood remains in the ventricle. When a valve "leaks," it allows blood to regurgitate backward into the ventricle. This backup of blood causes fluid in the lungs and swelling in the hands and feet. Shortness of breath or dyspnea, swelling of the legs and ankles or peripheral edema, swollen neck veins and sudden weight gain are symptoms of congestive heart failure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Diuretics or water pills are the treatment of choice. These medications remove excess fluid from the lungs and the swelling from the legs by helping the kidneys remove more fluid from the system.
Heart Murmur
The sound of turbulent blood flow through an orifice is a murmur and can be the first sign of valvular disease. A damaged valve interrupts the normally smooth flow of blood through its opening. As the blood pushes through the opening, the damage creates a chaotic flow and turbulence. This turbulence is heard as a murmur when auscultated through a stethoscope. The heart normally makes a lub-dub sound when it beats. The sound changes, depending on which valve is causing the turbulence. Growling, high-pitch squeaking or low, purring sounds occur when valves are damaged. In order to identify which valve is creating the murmur, a physician must auscultate different areas on the chest with the stethoscope.
Palpitations
Palpitations can feel like racing, flip-flopping or skipping beats, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The electrical conduction system of the heart can be included in the damage to the valve and create palpitations or arrhythmias. These symptoms may develop quickly if the valve is suddenly damaged. Progressive disease usually is characterized by slowly developing symptoms.
