Symptoms are tricky. If only it were as simple as, I have pain in [insert body part], so I am 100 percent certain I have [insert name of heart valve disease].
Well, it’s not that easy. You can have a heart valve complication for decades without showing any symptoms. Even if signs do arise, diagnosing the root cause is a job for heart experts, not the untrained Average Joe. But before you get to that step of seeing a heart doctor, you may need to know what to look for.
- Heart murmur — This main symptom of heart valve problems can be a confusing one, because most heart murmurs aren’t a result of anything wrong. But it’s certainly not worth chancing it — not when your life could be in danger. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you have a heart murmur and provide further guidance on what to do.
- Swelling — If you experience swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen or even the veins in your neck, heart valve disease is a possible explanation. You also could have an ankle or foot injury; blood clot; or liver or kidney disease…exactly why you need a doctor’s diagnosis.
- Shortness of breath — If exerting yourself or even merely lying down leaves you short of breath, it could be a sign of heart failure from a malfunctioning value. But shortness of breath can be a result of many things. How can you decide whether a heart valve is the culprit?
Maybe you’re not keen on the extra care it takes to monitor your symptoms. The unfortunate reality of this attitude is that heart disease doesn’t take a break while you decide how to react. For people who exhibit certain risk factors, the situation is particularly time sensitive.
The best plan of action includes a mixture of personal responsibility for preventative lifestyle measures; careful attention to any symptoms that arise; and, when necessary, regular appointments with a heart care professional.
At Brigham City Community Hospital, we’re happy to help you address symptoms before they lead to [insert serious heart complication].