![Dr Gosia Wamil goes over scans with a patient of heart valve disease](/files/Article/imglist/76aca59893c8117937763fccf0633608.jpg)
By Dr Gosia Wamil
14.10.24
Cardiology
Breathlessness and swelling: could it be a sign of valve disease?
If you've noticed that you're becoming more breathless over time, or if you’ve started to see swelling around your ankles, it might be more than just getting older or being out of shape. These symptoms can sometimes be a sign of serious heart problems, particularly valvular heart disease. Heart valve disease progresses silently, but as it worsens, it can lead to heart failure—a condition where the heart can't pump blood effectively. The good news is that with modern imaging techniques, such as echocardiography (often called an “echo”), doctors can diagnose these issues early and recommend the right treatment to prevent further damage.