Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Heart valve disease
One or more of your heart valves becomes damaged or diseased. The diseased or damaged heart valve can affect the flow of blood in your heart in one of two ways.
About heart valve disease
If one of the valves in your heart becomes diseased it can affect the flow of blood. This can happen in one of two ways: valve stenosis (where the valve does not fully open and obstructs or restricts flow) or valve incompetence (where the valve does not close properly and blood is allowed to leak backwards). Both can put extra strain on your heart.
Need to know
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- swelling of the ankles and/or feet
- feeling unusually fatigued (tired)
Heart valve disease can be difficult to diagnose because it can often be symptomless. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above you should tell your doctor. Your doctor may listen to your heart for a murmur (an unusual sound during your heartbeat). If they detect a heart murmur, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
Your doctor may suggest you have further tests such as an echocardiogram, to look at how effectively your heart is functioning and measure your blood flow.
You may not require any treatment for heart valve disease unless your symptoms impact on your daily life. If your symptoms do not worsen, your cardiologist may ask you to return in a year's time for a review. Treatment options can include medicines and heart valve surgery, but your treatment will depend on the cause of your problem and the effect that it is having on your heart.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.