- Document type
- Clinical pathways
- Place
- South and West Hertfordshire
- Output type
- Clinical Pathways
- Pathway
- Heart Valve Disease | SWH
Heart Valve Disease
Symptoms of heart valve disease can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or weak
- Feeling dizzy
- Heart palpitations, where you suddenly feel your heart beating irregularly or faster than usual
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Chest pain or discomfort
Some people do not have any symptoms. Sometimes it's found by chance if a doctor hears an unusual sound (a heart murmur) when they listen to your chest.
If you have symptoms of heart valve disease a GP will listen to your heart. They may arrange tests or refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist).
Tests you may have include:
- an ultrasound scan of your heart (echocardiogram)
- an X-ray of your chest
- an electrocardiogram (ECG), where sensors are put on your chest to check your heart
Please see pathway attached for further information.