Pulmonic Valve Disorders & Pulmonary Valve Disease

Pulmonic valve disorders can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the condition. Some people may have no symptoms, especially in mild cases. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or physical activity.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even with normal activities.
• Chest pain or discomfort: A feeling of pressure or pain in the chest.
• Heart palpitations: Feeling like your heart is racing, pounding or skipping beats.
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen: Caused by fluid buildup due to poor blood flow.
• Fainting or dizziness: Often related to reduced blood flow to the brain.

Pulmonic valve disorders can develop for various reasons, including: 

• Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with pulmonic valve problems, such as pulmonic stenosis or atresia, which are present from birth.
• Rheumatic fever: A complication of untreated strep throat that can damage the heart valves, including the pulmonic valve.
• Infective endocarditis: A bacterial infection that affects the heart valves, causing them to become damaged or leaky.
• Carcinoid syndrome: A rare condition where cancerous tumors produce substances that can damage the heart valves, including the pulmonic valve.
• Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs can cause the pulmonic valve to leak or malfunction. 

Diagnosing pulmonic valve disorders usually involves a combination of a physical exam, listening to the heart and imaging tests to see how well the valve is working. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Physical exam and listening to the heart: Doctors can often detect abnormal heart sounds, such as a murmur, which may suggest a valve problem.
• Echocardiogram (Echo): This is the main test used to diagnose valve disorders. It uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart, showing how the valves and chambers are functioning.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can help detect rhythm problems or other signs of heart strain.
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan: Advanced imaging tests that provide a detailed look at the heart and valves.
• Cardiac catheterization: A more invasive test where a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart to measure pressures and evaluate the valve. 

While some pulmonic valve disorders, particularly congenital ones, cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing valve problems later in life:

• Treat infections promptly: Properly treating strep throat can prevent rheumatic fever, which can damage heart valves.
• Good dental hygiene: Regular dental care and good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of infective endocarditis, which can affect the heart valves.
• Healthy lifestyle: Managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep your heart and valves healthy.
• Regular check-ups: If you have risk factors for heart valve disease, regular medical check-ups can help detect problems early.

Outlook

The outlook for pulmonic valve disorders varies depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment received. Many people with mild conditions can live normal, healthy lives with regular monitoring. For those who need treatment, the success rate of procedures like valve repair or replacement is generally high and they can greatly improve symptoms and quality of life. However, ongoing follow-up care is essential to monitor the heart’s function and ensure the valve is working properly.