Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
What Is Pulmonary
Valve Stenosis?
The pulmonary valve allows blood to flow
from the heart’s lower right "pumping"
ventricle into the pulmonary artery. The
pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood
to the lungs to be reoxygenated. Normally,
the pulmonary valve has three leaflets (flaps).
If the leaflets are not properly developed,
the valve may become narrow (stenosis) or
leaky (insufficient). Stenosis or insufficiency
can range from moderate to severe.
Pulmonary valve stenosis accounts for about
10 percent of congenital heart defects.
Symptoms of pulmonary stenosis include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Bluish color to skin (cyanosis)
A heart murmur may be heard by stethoscope
when there is stenosis. The following tests
may be used to confirm the diagnosis:
Treatment Options
If the narrowing is severe, the pulmonary
valve must be opened to increase blood flow
to the lungs. This may be done by cardiac
catheterization [link glossary/cardiac catheterization],
in which a balloon is expanded to enlarge
the opening. If the insufficiency is severe,
an operation is required to repair or replace
the pulmonary valve.
Ongoing Care
If pulmonary stenosis or insufficiency is
severe, ongoing care by an experienced cardiologist
is necessary to check for re-stenosis or
increased insufficiency, irregular heat
beat (arrhythmias) and signs of strain or
dilation of the right ventricle. Some patients
with residual defects, such as a leaky valve
(regurgitation), may benefit from medications
to lower blood pressure and help the heart
pump better. Patients with pulmonary valve
stenosis are at risk for bacterial endocarditis,
an infection of the heart’s valves
or inner lining (endocardium.) Before having
certain dental or surgical procedures performed,
it may be necessary to take preventive antibiotics.
Need an appointment? Request one online 24
hours a day, 7 days a week; or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a
referral counselor.
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