Diagnosis of pulmonary valve stenosis begins with the patient's medical history and a physical exam. Tests to confirm the diagnosis include chest x ray, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and catherization
Pulmonary valve stenosis cannot be prevented
Pulmonary valve stenosis
Pulmonary stenosis can be life-threatening
I guess you refer to the pulmonary valve stenosis which usually is due to the valve calcification when less blood supply will go from right ventricle of heart to the pulmonary circulation. The right ventricle will be hypertrophied because it's working harder then before.
Patients with the most severe form of pulmonary valve stenosis may die in infancy
Yes
Pulmonary stenosis is often caused by congenital heart defects where the pulmonary valve is abnormally narrow. This narrowing restricts blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, leading to increased pressure in the right side of the heart. Pulmonary stenosis can also be acquired later in life due to conditions like rheumatic heart disease or infective endocarditis.
Twice as many women as men are affected by mitral valve stenosis. About 60% of patients with mitral valve stenosis have had rheumatic fever.
DefinitionPulmonary valve stenosis is a condition in which the flow of blood from the heart (right ventricle, or lower chamber) is blocked at the valve that separates the heart from the pulmonary artery (pulmonic valve). This narrowing is usually present at birth (congenital).Alternative NamesValvular pulmonary stenosis; Heart valve pulmonary stenosisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsPulmonary valve stenosis is most often caused by a problem that occurs when the unborn baby (fetus) is developing. The cause is unknown, but genetics may play a role.Narrowing that occurs in the pulmonary valve is called pulmonary valve stenosis. Narrowing that occurs below the pulmonary valve is called subvalvar pulmonary stenosis. Another form of the condition, supravalvar pulmonary stenosis, is when narrowing occurs above the main pulmonary valve.The defect may occur alone. However, it can also occur with other heart defects. The condition can be mild or severe. It occurs rarely, in only about 10% of patients with congenital heart disease.Pulmonary stenosis can also occur later in life as a result of conditions that cause damage or scarring of the heart valves. These include rheumatic fever, endocarditis, and other disorders.SymptomsBluish coloration to the skin (cyanosis) in some patientsChest painFaintingFatiguePoor weight gain or failure to thrive in infants with severe blockageShortness of breathSudden deathNote: Patients with mild to moderate blockage may not have any symptoms. There may be no symptoms until the disorder is severe. Symptoms, when present, may get worse with exercise or activity.Signs and testsThe health care provider may hear a heart murmur by stethoscope. Tests used in the diagnosis of pulmonary stenosis may include:Cardiac catheterizationChest x-rayECGEchocardiogramMRI of the heartTreatmentSometimes, treatment may not be required.Percutaneous balloon pulmonary dilation (valvuloplasty) using a catheter can be successful for pulmonary valve stenosis that occurs without other heart defects.Surgery may be performed to repair the defect.Medications used before surgery may include:Anti-arrhythmics to improve the heart functionBlood thinners to prevent clotsProstaglandinsWater pills to remove the excess fluidExpectations (prognosis)As a general rule with mild stenosis, one-third of patients get better, one-third stay the same, and one-third get worse. The outcome is good with successful surgery or cardiac catheterization. Other congenital heart defects may also be a factor.ComplicationsCyanosisDeathHeart failureLeaking of blood back into the right ventricle (pulmonary regurgitation) after repairRight ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement)Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis.Call your health care provider if you have treated or untreated pulmonary valve stenosis and you develop swelling (of the ankles or any area), difficulty breathing, or other new symptoms.ReferencesZipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.
Is the narrowing of the valve
Symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, fainting, and heart murmurs. Severe cases may lead to cyanosis (blue skin due to lack of oxygen), difficulty feeding in infants, and heart failure. Treatment may involve careful monitoring, medications, or surgical interventions like balloon valvuloplasty or valve replacement.
Yes. The pulmonary valve is a semilunar valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk.