The main cause of leaking heart valve symptoms results from a heart valve that experiences 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