Name a common symptom of heart valve disease.

Shortness of breath, particularly during exertion, is a common symptom of heart valve disease. This occurs because when the valves do not function properly, they can impede the normal blood flow through the heart. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, especially during physical activity. This increased demand can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to the body's tissues and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Patients may notice this symptom during activities that previously didn't cause any difficulty, signaling a decline in the heart's efficiency.

While other symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, and fatigue can also be associated with heart valve issues, shortness of breath during exertion is particularly indicative of the underlying dysfunction related to valve disorders. It highlights the heart's struggle to maintain adequate circulation and oxygenation under stress, which is a hallmark of valve pathology.