Symptoms of HEART VALVE DISEASE

The heart's valves can be affected in an acute process or may be damaged over a period of time. The symptoms vary both from the rate of injury, as well as from the severity of the heart valve dysfunction. Some heart valve problems will be minor and not produce any symptoms at all. There may be mild or significant chest pain. Shortness of breath may develop, or may develop during exercise. Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting may occur. There may be problems breathing when attempting to lie down. Slow, fast or irregular heart beats may occur. If there is an acute infectious process of the heart valves, fever and chills develop. In these people, there may be a history of indwelling catheters or the use of intravenous drugs. There may be a history of Rheumatic fever.