Pulmonic Valve Disease

Relatively rare, pulmonic valve disease is usually present at birth. The valve that regulates the flow of blood between the heart’s lower right chamber and the pulmonary artery is too narrow. As such, the flow of blood is reduced from the heart to the lungs, where the blood picks up oxygen.

Symptoms can include: If symptoms are present (and most times they are not), they include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pains, fainting, a bluish tint to the skin and a heart murmur.

Surgery

Pulmonic or Pulmonary Valve Disease is relatively rare. When it does occur, patients with mild or even moderate defects can live normal lives with regular checkups and proper monitoring.

If surgery is necessary, the valve will either be repaired or replaced. If repair is possible, the valve’s leaflets may be fused together, torn leaflets may be sewn together or parts of the valve may be reshaped. This is the desired course, since the patient’s own tissue is more resistant to infection and blood-thinning medications are not necessary. If the valve is damaged beyond repair, an artificial valve is installed.

Medical Management

Medications can’t fix a defective valve. But they can control pain, regulate the heart’s rhythm and slow the progress of the disease. And in cases where patients who have valve disease need dental or surgical procedures, antibiotics are necessary to keep an infection of the lining of the heart from forming. This infection, known as bacterial endocarditis, can be fatal.

The medications and course of treatment depends largely on the nature of the disease. Medications can include:

ACE inhibitors: Thismedication widens the blood vessels, decreases the heart’s workload and reduces blood pressure.

Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots.

Beta-blockers: These lower the blood pressure and control the heart rate.

Calcium channel blockers: These can lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s workload so surgery can be delayed.

Digitalis: Reduces the workload on the heart and minimizes some of the symptoms.

Diuretics: Removes excess sodium and fluid from the body, lowering the pressure of blood moving through the valve. They can also reduce swelling.