Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. In healthy people, the four heart valves--consisting of the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral and aortic valves--regulate blood flow through the heart. Damaging any one of these heart valves can cause serious complications, and may lead to the development of heart valve disease.
Heart Signs
If you have heart valve damage, you may develop a number of symptoms that mimic those experienced by people with heart valve disease. Damage to a heart valve may cause blood to flow backward through the heart (regurgitation) or may prevent blood from flowing through the heart (stenosis). Such conditions may lead to the development of heart signs of heart valve damage. Irregular heartbeats that cause heart fluttering, racing or palpitations may occur in certain people, according to The Methodist Hospital in Houston. Your blood pressure may also become altered--either elevated or decreased--depending upon the particular heart valve that has sustained damage. Chest pain is also a common symptom among those who have heart valve damage, especially during periods of exertion, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. If you experience any of these heart signs of heart valve damage, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms may also indicate that you're having a heart attack.
Respiratory Signs
Certain people with heart valve damage may develop a number of respiratory signs as a result of this condition. According to New York Presbyterian Hospital, some people with heart valve damage may have difficulty breathing or experience shortness of breath. This may cause you to experience dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, especially if you also have low blood pressure symptoms. If you develop any of these respiratory signs of heart valve damage, speak with your medical care provider for further guidance.
Constitutional Signs
People with heart valve damage may also experience a number of symptoms throughout the body resulting from this condition. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says people with heart valve disease may experience unusual fatigue. Swelling of the feet, ankles or abdomen may also be signs of heart valve damage for some people. If you have damaged your tricuspid valve, you may develop abdominal pain due to the enlargement of your liver, according to New York Presbyterian Hospital. Signs of heart valve damage may worsen over time and can lead to heart failure in certain people. If you experience any of these constitutional signs of heart valve disease--especially if you also experience heart or respiratory signs--seek medical care for further evaluation.
