Mild heart valve disease may not cause any symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of heart valve disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of heart valve disease present and may include:
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fatigue
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shortness of breath
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chest pain
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palpitations caused by irregular heartbeats
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dizziness/fainting
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swelling of the legs
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migraine headaches
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low or high blood pressure, depending on which valve disease is present
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abdominal pain due to an enlarged liver (if there is tricuspid valve malfunction)
Symptoms of heart valve disease may resemble other medical conditions and problems. Always consult your Beaumont doctor for a
diagnosis.
What causes heart valve damage?
The causes of heart valve damage vary depending on the type of disease present, and may include the following:
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congenital birth defect
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myxomatous degeneration, an inherited connective tissue disorder that weakens the heart valve tissue
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changes in the heart valve structure due to the aging process
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damage resulting from a heart attack
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damage resulting from an infection
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a history of rheumatic fever