Heart Valve Leakage - Know Forms Of It!

A heart has four valves containing three flaps each, responsible for the normal one-way blood flow from the heart. The moment any of the valves starts leaking, it causes the blood to flow in the backward direction instead of flowing forward when the heart squeezes the blood and pump it forward, it is known as heart valve leakage or valve regurgitation. To deal with the heart valve leakage, consulting with a cardiologist and opting for the necessary treatment right away is the best solution.

Doing light exercise daily like walking can help one improve the heart condition. Anything that improves the heart health such as quitting smoking or maintaining a healthy weight also helps in dealing with minor valve leakage. However, when the valve leakage becomes severe, surgical replacement or repairing becomes the only way of dealing with the condition. Before engaging in any strenuous activities such as contact or competitive sports, people with severe heart valve leakage needs to consult with their doctor.

For minor valve regurgitation, there are usually no symptoms. But when the heart valve leakage becomes severe and seriously impairs the right flow of blood it can cause symptoms like breathlessness and leg swelling or the retention of fluid elsewhere in the body, along with rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, heart fluttering, etc. It is to be noted that having a slightly leaky valve is very common for even the healthiest person, as long as it doesn t disrupt the blood flow.

When the valve regurgitation becomes severe, it may lead to heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. While the backward flow of blood places excessive strain on the heart leading to heart failure, the formation of blood clots due to atrial fibrillation can lead to the blood clots reaching the blood vessels in the brain causing a stroke. Once you notice any symptom of heart valve leakage, no matter how minor it is, don t delay in visiting a doctor to avoid a life threat.