Heart valve diseases

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Heart Valve Diseases

Heart valve diseases (pronunciation: /hɑːrt vælv diːˈziːz/) are a group of conditions that affect the functioning of the heart's valves. These diseases can affect any of the heart's four valves: the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and aortic valve.

Etymology

The term "heart valve disease" is derived from the Latin words 'cor' meaning heart, 'valva' meaning folding door, and the Greek word 'nosos' meaning disease.

Types of Heart Valve Diseases

There are several types of heart valve diseases, including:

  • Valvular stenosis: This occurs when a heart valve doesn't open fully due to stiff or fused leaflets. The reduced blood flow through the valve can cause symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
  • Valvular insufficiency or Regurgitation: This happens when a heart valve doesn't close tightly. If the valves do not seal, some blood will leak backwards across the valve. This leakage can lead to a strain on the heart and eventually cause symptoms.
  • Valve prolapse: This occurs when the leaflets of the heart valve bulge or prolapse back into the upper chamber, causing blood to flow backward through the valve.

Causes

Heart valve diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including ageing, infections (such as rheumatic fever), congenital heart defects, and changes in the heart muscle.

Treatment

Treatment for heart valve diseases depends on the severity and type of disease. Options may include medication, valve repair surgery, or valve replacement surgery.

Related Terms

External links

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