Human heart is a hollow muscular organ that has a valve between its chambers, namely two atria and two ventricles. These valves work together to maintain one-way blood flow through your heart. A congenital heart valve disease is a defect in the structure of the heart valves, which is present at birth. It is said to present in about one percent of the total live births, according to the American Heart Association.
Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is the most severe complication associated with congenital heart valve disease, notes Yale School of Medicine. It occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate. Blood then accumulates in the veins and pushes out into the tissues, causing a buildup of fluid in the tissues. This fluid may back up in the lungs, blocking the air passage and interfering with gas exchange.
Stroke
Sometimes, part of a clot that forms in the heart chamber as a result of abnormal heartbeat or palpitation breaks off and circulates in the blood, known as embolus. Blood flow can become blocked when a blood vessel gets obstructed by wandering blood clots. If the normal flow of blood is decreased or cut off, then a part of the body becomes damaged by the lack of oxygen. A stroke will more likely to result when embolic blood clots block the small arteries in the brain, notes the Yale School of Medicine.
Chest Pain
Heart valve disease can lead to chest pain, especially when you exert yourself, such as when you exercise. You may feel a pressure or weight in your chest or even a vague feeling of discomfort. The symptoms may also be felt in your neck, throat or arms. Patients feel chest pain because blood oxygen supply can't keep up with the demand of the heart muscle.
