Unusual fatigue during everyday tasks such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries could be more than just a sign of stress or ageing, cardiologists warn. Persistent tiredness might indicate an underlying heart issue, particularly a heart valve disorder. The heart’s four valves ensure blood flows correctly; however, if a valve becomes narrow, stiff, or leaks, it forces the heart to exert extra effort to circulate blood effectively. This additional strain can diminish the oxygen supply to muscles and organs, causing constant fatigue even after minimal exertion.
Conditions like aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation exemplify valve-related problems where blood either struggles to flow through or leaks backward, compromising the heart’s functionality. Experts distinguish heart-related fatigue from ordinary tiredness, noting that while typical fatigue usually improves with rest, fatigue due to heart issues may persist even after physical activity, eventually disrupting daily life.
Accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and swelling in the extremities can also indicate valve problems. These symptoms often go unnoticed initially, as the heart compensates by working harder, making it easy to attribute them to normal ageing or poor fitness.
Although older individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart infections are at higher risk, younger people can also experience valve issues due to congenital factors or infections. Regular medical check-ups are crucial for early detection, as valve problems might first be identified by a heart murmur during an examination. Follow-up tests like echocardiograms, ECGs, stress tests, or CT scans might be necessary for confirmation.
Treatment for heart valve disorders varies based on severity. While mild cases might only need monitoring and lifestyle adjustments, more severe cases could require valve repair or replacement, with some procedures now offering minimally invasive options.