Pulmonary Valve Disease

Pulmonary Valve Disease is a disease that affects the pulmonary valve. The pulmonary valve is the valve that controls the blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery and lungs. The illness usually manifests as pulmonary valve stenosis, where the valve is narrowed, or pulmonary valve regurgitation, when the valve does not seal properly, and blood leaks backwards. These anomalies increase the workload on the right side of the heart and may impair the effective circulation of blood.

Some people are born with pulmonary valve deficiencies, whereas others develop the problem as a result of infections, aging, previous heart surgery, or issues related to other cardiovascular disorders. Mild cases may be asymptomatic. Moderate to severe disease might cause dyspnea, tiredness, chest pain, dizziness, syncope, or dependent edema in the legs and abdomen.

Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, cardiac MRI, or cardiac catheterization to assess valve function and heart health. Treatment varies on how severe the illness is and may include regular follow-up, medicines to reduce symptoms, balloon valvuloplasty, or repair or replacement of the pulmonary valve. Early diagnosis, continued follow-up, and healthy lifestyle choices can maintain heart function, avoid problems, and improve long-term quality of life for individuals with Pulmonary Valve Disease.