Primary Pulmonary Hypertensio... : Risk Factors
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Women ' s health differs from men ' s health, and not just with respect to reproduction. To understand and examine these differences appropriately, the variables of sex and gender are each relevant.
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Valvular heart disease refers to several disorders and diseases of the heart valves, which are the tissue flaps that regulate the flow of blood through the four chambers of the heart. The human heart consists of four chambers- two upper chambers (the atria) and two lower chambers (the ventricles)- that are responsible for pumping blood.
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Detailed information on heart valve diseases, including causes, anatomy of the heart valves, disease symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information
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Valve disease occurs when a valve doesn’t open or close the way it should. If a valve doesn’t open all the way, the heart has to push blood through a smaller opening. If the valve doesn’t close tightly, some blood will leak backward.
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Aortic stenosis means your aortic valve has a problem opening. The left ventricle has to work harder to push the blood through the valve. In some cases, this extra work will make the muscle of the ventricle thicken. This type of stenosis can quickly get worse.
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During heart valve surgery, one or more heart valves can be repaired or replaced. The decision whether to repair or replace a valve often can’t be made until after surgery has begun. If a valve can’t be repaired, it may be replaced with a prosthetic valve.
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Aortic insufficiency means your aortic valve has problems closing. Blood leaks back through the valve. Extra blood may cause the ventricle to stretch. A stretched ventricle doesn’t squeeze as well. In time, the heart won’t move blood the way it should.
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Mitral stenosis means the mitral valve stiffens and doesn’t open right. Blood must move through a smaller opening. In severe cases, fluid can build up in the lungs, leading to coughing and breathing problems.
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Mitral insufficiency means your mitral valve has problems closing, letting blood leak back through the valve. Mild cases of mitral insufficiency, when a small amount of blood leaks, rarely lead to problems. But severe cases can cause damage to the ventricle and heart muscle.
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Mitral valve prolapse is the most common heart valve problem. With this problem, the valve bulges slightly back into the atrium when it closes. This may allow a tiny amount of blood to leak.
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A problem with a heart valve will usually cause the heart to make a noise. Your doctor can hear this noise, called a murmur. But you can have a heart murmur and not have valve disease or any other heart problem. Other tests can help confirm the diagnosis of valve disease.
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If you are having symptoms, certain medications can ease them. Other medications help prevent problems that may occur due to valve disease. Your doctor can discuss what medications might be right for you. Here are some types of medications that may be prescribed and what they do.
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