Pulmonary Valve Disease

Pulmonary valve disease happens when the valve between the heart's lower right chamber and the blood vessel leading to the lungs (the pulmonary artery) doesn't work correctly. This valve is called the pulmonary valve.

A faulty pulmonary valve changes how blood travels from the heart to the lungs. Normally, the pulmonary valve acts like a one-way door. Blood flows from the heart's lower right chamber, through the pulmonary valve, into the pulmonary artery, and then to the lungs. The lungs add oxygen to the blood, which is then carried to the rest of the body.

There are different types of pulmonary valve problems:

• Pulmonary valve stenosis: This happens when the pulmonary valve narrows. This narrowing makes it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the lungs. Imagine a tiny water pipe getting constricted; it makes it hard for water to flow through.

• Pulmonary valve regurgitation: In this case, the flaps of the pulmonary valve don't close completely, allowing blood to leak back into the heart's lower right chamber (the right ventricle). Think of a leaky door; some of the blood goes back through the valve instead of continuing to the lungs.

• Pulmonary atresia: This is a birth defect where the pulmonary valve isn't formed correctly. Instead of a valve, there's a solid piece of tissue blocking the blood flow from the right side of the heart to the lungs. This means blood can't reach the lungs to get oxygen. This is a serious condition because the body needs oxygen to function.

Many cases of pulmonary valve disease are present from birth. The best treatment depends on the specific type and how severe the problem is. Doctors will determine the best course of action based on the individual case.