Pulmonary Valve Disease
The normal heart has two upper and two lower chambers. The upper chambers called “right and left atrium” collect blood flowing in from the body and in from the lungs. The lower chambers called “ventricles” collect blood from the atria then pump it forcefully out. The right ventricle pumps out to the lungs while the left ventricle pumps to the aorta.
The heart valves, which keep blood flowing in the right direction, are gates at the chamber openings. Each of these valves have flaps (cusps) that open and close once during each heartbeat. The pulmonary valve has three flaps that, when closed, keeps blood from going back into the heart. In pulmonary valve disease, the pulmonary valve may not be closing properly (regurgitation), may be narrowed (stenosis), or may be missing since birth (atresia).
Causes of Pulmonary Valve Disease
Pulmonary valve disease may be caused by a heart defect present at birth (congenital). However, other conditions, traits or habits may also raise your risk for the disease. These are known as risk factors and include:
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors: These factors are irreversible and cannot be changed. The more of these risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing pulmonary valve disease.
- Older age
- Family history/Genetics
Modifiable Risk Factors: These factors can be modified, treated or controlled through medications or lifestyle changes.
- High blood pressure
- Endocarditis
- IV drug abuse
- Certain malignancies
Other conditions that contribute to development of pulmonary valve disease:
- Rheumatic fever
- Autoimmune Disease: A condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma).
- Trauma from injury.
- End-Dtage Renal Disease: A condition in which your kidneys have stopped working well and your body retains fluid.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Valve Disease
Some people with pulmonary valve disease may not experience symptoms for many years. Signs and symptoms of pulmonary valve disease may include:
- Chest pain, pressure, discomfort or tightness.
- Lightheadedness/Fainting
- Fatigue after being active or having less ability to be active.
- Heart arrhythmias
- Heart murmur
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the ankles and feet.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Valve Disease
To diagnose pulmonary valve disease, your doctor may review your signs and symptoms, discuss your and your family's medical history, and conduct a physical examination. Your doctor may listen to your heart with a stethoscope to determine if you have a heart murmur that may indicate a pulmonary valve condition. Your doctor may order several tests to diagnose your condition, and determine the cause and severity of your condition, including:
- Echocardiogram (ECHO)
- Cardiac catheterization
- Computed tomography (CT scan)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- X-Rays
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
- Stress test
Treatment of Pulmonary Valve Disease
Treatment for pulmonary valve disease depends on the severity of your condition, whether you're experiencing signs and symptoms, and if your condition is getting worse. If your symptoms are mild or you aren't experiencing symptoms, your doctor may monitor your condition with regular follow-up appointments. Other treatment options include:
Lifestyle Changes
All patients with heart valve disease should talk to their doctor about the managed risk of getting infective endocarditis. This infection can greatly damage or destroy the heart valves, and can be fatal. Recommended changes include:
- Call your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection.
- Take antibiotics before any dental procedures, surgeries, or invasive tests.
- Take good care of your teeth and gums.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you have heart valve disease.
- Avoid smoking.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet.
- Exercise under the directions of your doctor.
- If you're overweight, talk to your doctor about weight-loss options.
- Manage stress.
- Make and keep appointments to see your doctor for routine check-ups and follow-up tests.
Medications
- Anti-arrhythmic medications will help control your heart’s rhythm.
- Anticoagulants “blood-thinners” will help treat, prevent, and reduce blood clots.
- Beta blockers will help reduce your blood pressure.
- Diuretics “water pills” will help reduce the amount of fluid retention in your body.