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When one or more valves become stenotic, or stiff, the heart works harder to pump blood through the valve. This can be caused by infections such as rheumatic fever or staph infections and by aging. If one or more valves become insufficient, or leaky, blood leaks backwards through the valve and less blood is pumped in the proper direction.
Diseased valve(s) may be repaired using a ring that supports a person's own valve, or the entire valve may be replaced by an artificial valve. Artificial valves may be mechanical, made of metal or plastic, or tissue, made from animal valves or valves taken from cadavers.
Symptoms of damaged/diseased heart valve(s):
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling (edema) of the feet, ankles or abdomen
- Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
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