Heart Valve Disease Overview
In heart valve disease, one or more of the valves in your heart doesn’t work properly. Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction. In some cases, one or more of the valves don’t open or close properly. This can cause the blood flow through your heart to your body to be disrupted.
Your heart valve disease treatment depends on the heart valve affected and the type and severity of the valve disease. Sometimes heart valve disease requires surgery to repair or replace the heart valve.
Symptoms
- Abnormal sound (heart murmur) when a doctor is listening to the heart beating with a stethoscope
- Chest pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath, particularly when you have been very active or when you lie down
- Swelling of your ankles and feet
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
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When to see a Doctor
If you have a heart murmur, your doctor may recommend that you visit a cardiologist. If you develop any symptoms that may suggest heart valve disease, see your doctor.