Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease
Heart disease includes a variety of conditions and illnesses. Heart valve disease is one such condition that poses a significant threat, a threat that many people are unaware of.
What is HVD?
HVD occurs when the heart’s valves are not functioning properly. The heart has four valves that ensure the free flow of blood in a forward direction, preventing backward leakage. This process is essential to the successful and continuous flow of blood to the heart, lungs and body.
What causes HVD?
HVD sometimes develops before birth, meaning some instances are congenital birth defects. In some such instances, people may be born with valves that are the wrong size. Some valve diseases are acquired during one’s lifetime. Acquired valve diseases may be linked to conditions such as rheumatic fever or endocarditis, which occurs when germs enter the bloodstream and attack the heart valves.
People who experience any of the following symptoms, which should be reported to a physician immediately, may be suffering from HVD: Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, chest discomfort. heart palpitations, edema , rapid weight gain.
More information about HVD is available at www.valvediseaseday.org.
