Feeling unusually tired during everyday tasks like climbing stairs, walking short distances, or carrying groceries is often attributed to stress, ageing, inadequate sleep, or low fitness. However, cardiologists caution that persistent fatigue during such activities might indicate a hidden heart issue. If the tiredness persists or intensifies over time, it could be a sign of an underlying heart condition.
A potential culprit for this type of fatigue is a heart valve disorder. The heart’s four valves play a crucial role in ensuring that blood flows properly in the right direction. If a valve becomes narrow, stiff, or begins to leak, the heart must exert more effort to circulate blood throughout the body. This extra work can lead to a reduced oxygen supply to muscles and organs, causing constant tiredness even after minimal exertion.
Common examples of valve-related issues include aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation, where blood flow can become restricted or leak backward, hindering the heart’s efficiency. Health professionals note that fatigue caused by heart valve problems is distinct from regular tiredness due to stress or sleep deprivation. Unlike ordinary fatigue, which often improves with rest, heart-related fatigue may persist after physical activity and gradually disrupt daily life.
Doctors emphasize the importance of recognizing warning signs accompanying fatigue, such as shortness of breath during light activities or when lying down, chest discomfort or pressure, dizziness, irregular heartbeats, swelling in the feet, ankles, or abdomen, and episodes of fainting or near-fainting. Heart valve issues often remain unnoticed in the early stages because the heart compensates by working harder. Symptoms might only become apparent during physical exertion, leading many to mistakenly attribute them to normal ageing or poor stamina.
Older adults, particularly those with high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of heart infections, or rheumatic fever, are at a higher risk for valve disorders. Yet, younger individuals can also develop valve issues due to congenital defects or infections. Regular health check-ups are vital for early detection, as heart valve problems can sometimes be identified through a heart murmur during an examination. This may be followed by diagnostic tests like echocardiograms, ECGs, stress tests, or CT scans if necessary. Treatment varies based on the condition’s severity, ranging from monitoring and lifestyle changes for mild cases to valve repair or replacement procedures, including newer minimally invasive options, for more serious cases.