Leaky Heart Valve Symptoms
August 27th, 2007
I’ll never forget when my first cardiologist, Dr. Bad Bedside Manner, told me I needed aortic valve replacement surgery.
With no emotion, no caring, no compassion, the stern man with the red nose looked at me and said, “Your heart valve is in really bad shape. You should have been here over two years ago. Your bicuspid aortic valve has both stenosis and regurgitation. You need a new heart valve. Oh yeah, your heart is also dilated. Do you have any leaky heart valve symptoms?”
I must admit. I was numb in that moment. I still remember it perfectly. Needless to say, I moved on from Dr. Bad Bedside Manner in a hurry. (Luckily, I found a great second-opinion cardiologist the next day.)
Anyways, the question he raised does come up frequently. That said, I thought I would provide some thoughts on the question, “What are leaky heart valve symptoms?”
During the research for my book, I came across a number of common problems with leaking heart valves that manifest as patient symptoms. You should know these leaky heart valve symptoms can impact the mitral valve, the aortic valve, the tricuspid valve and the pumonary valve.
Here are the common leaky heart valve symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when you lie down
- Fatigue, especially during times of increased activity
- Cough, especially at night or when lying down
- Heart palpitations — sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat
- Swollen feet or ankles
- Heart murmur
- Excessive urination
- Chest pain (angina) or tightness
- Feeling faint or fainting with exertion
- Dizziness
However, you should note that this list is not exhaustive. And, you should also know that many patients are asymptomatic.
As for me, I only had one of the above referenced, leaky heart valve symptoms.
I hope that helps!
Keep on tickin!
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| About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates clinical research with the personal experiences of 135 former patients to help future patients and their caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here. |
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