Pulmonary Valve Regurgitation
Quick Facts
- Pulmonary valve regurgitation, also called pulmonic regurgitation, happens when the valve between the heart and lungs does not close properly. This causes some blood to leak backward.
- In adults, the most common cause is pulmonary hypertension.
- Over time, it can lead to fatigue, dizziness or, less commonly, heart failure.
What is pulmonary valve regurgitation?
Also called pulmonic regurgitation, it is a condition in which the pulmonary valve does not close tightly. This valve controls blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. When it leaks, some blood flows back into the right ventricle instead of moving forward to the lungs for oxygen.
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What causes pulmonary valve regurgitation?
In adults, the most common cause is pulmonary hypertension. This is high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs.
Other, less common causes include:
- Infective endocarditis (infection of the heart valves)
- Complications after surgery to repair tetralogy of Fallot or other congenital heart defects
- Carcinoid syndrome
- Rheumatic fever (now rare in the U.S)
What are the symptoms of pulmonary valve regurgitation?
Pulmonary valve regurgitation often does not cause noticeable symptoms at first. A healthcare professional may hear a heart murmur during an exam.
Over time, the right ventricle may enlarge. In more advanced cases, this can lead to symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness or fainting
In rare cases, it may lead to heart failure.
How is pulmonary regurgitation treated?
Treatment usually focuses on the condition causing the valve problem, especially pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary valve replacement is not often needed. It may be considered if the right ventricle becomes enlarged or does not work well.
Jen was born with tetralogy of Fallot and ultimately had valve replacement surgery for her pulmonary valve. Watch Jen share her story:
