Experiencing fatigue during everyday activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries might be more than just a sign of ageing or stress, warn cardiologists. While many attribute such exhaustion to poor sleep or fitness, persistent tiredness could indicate a heart issue, particularly a heart valve disorder. These valves are crucial for directing blood flow properly, and any narrowing, stiffness, or leakage can force the heart to exert more effort, reducing oxygen supply to muscles and leading to constant weariness.
Heart valve conditions such as aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation are examples where blood flow is either restricted or leaks backwards, impairing the heart’s efficiency. Unlike regular tiredness that eases with rest, fatigue stemming from heart valve issues tends to persist post-activity and can gradually disrupt daily routines. Health experts urge individuals to be vigilant for concurrent symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or swelling in certain body parts, which may accompany this type of fatigue.
Many people overlook these signs, mistaking them for normal signs of ageing or poor stamina, especially since the heart often compensates by working harder in the early stages of valve disorders. This is particularly true for older adults, who are at higher risk due to factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or previous heart infections. Nevertheless, younger individuals aren’t immune, as congenital defects or infections can also lead to valve problems.
Regular health screenings are crucial for early detection, as heart valve issues can sometimes be identified by a heart murmur during a physical exam. Further diagnostic measures such as echocardiograms, ECGs, stress tests, or CT scans might be recommended. Treatment varies with the condition’s severity; while some cases might only require lifestyle changes and monitoring, others could necessitate valve repair or replacement, potentially through minimally invasive procedures.