What is a leaky heart valve?

A leaky valve is a condition in which the blood flow is altered by a valve that allows blood to flow backwards, otherwise known as "regurgitation".

Regurgitation can negatively impact the flow of blood across each of your four heart valves - aortic valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve and tricuspid valve.

Ultimately, leaky heart valves force the heart to "work harder" as it re-pumps blood through a valve. Over time, this can lead to several leaking heart valve symptoms and an enlarged heart.

Some of the most common symptoms of leaky heart valves are:

• 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

Leaking heart valve symptoms do not always appear, or manifest, simultaneously for a patient. Many patients can be asymptomatic even though they suffer from mild, moderate, or even severe, heart valve disease.

If you are experiencing symptoms, it's important to know that there are a number of different heart valve diseases and valve defects that could trigger leaky heart valve symptoms.

It is recommended that those who believe they are experiencing any of the leaking heart valve symptoms identified above visit their doctor or cardiologist. Some heart valve diseases can be easily identified by listening to your heart valve sounds with a stethoscope. This is usually the first step in diagnosing a heart valve disease or leak in the valve.