Valve Disease 101: When to Monitor, When to Intervene
Think of your heart like a house with four rooms. Each room has doors, and these doors open and close to let blood flow through the heart properly. These doors are called valves. When they don’t work as they should, it can lead to something called valvular heart disease . Some people are born with it. Others may get it as they get older, or from infections or other health problems. But here's the good news: knowing when to monitor and when to intervene can make all the difference. Acting at the right time can help protect your heart and your life. Listen to Your Body: Early Signs That Should Never Be Ignored Many people don’t realize they have valve issues until it’s serious. But your body does give clues. These heart disease symptoms can include feeling tired all the time, shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling in your feet. Some may even faint during regular activities. These signs may be brushed off as aging or stress, but they can also point to valvular heart disease, ...