Overview

Pulmonary valve disease is any issue that keeps this specific heart valve from working the way it should. Your pulmonary valve is the gatekeeper that lets your blood move from your heart’s right ventricle (lower chamber) to your lungs via your pulmonary artery. This allows your blood to get fresh oxygen to distribute to your body.

A problem with your pulmonary valve makes it harder for your blood to travel to your lungs, which delays getting oxygen to your tissues, cells and organs.

Types of pulmonary valve disease

Types of pulmonary valve disease are:

  • Pulmonary valve regurgitation (leaking).
  • Pulmonary valve stenosis (narrowing).
  • Pulmonary atresia (missing or poorly formed valve at birth).

How common is pulmonary valve disease?

Pulmonary valve regurgitation is very common. Some people are born with different valve tissue, and that physiological difference can make them more likely to have pulmonary valve regurgitation. However, many cases are incredibly mild and this doesn’t mean it’s a worrisome condition that needs to be treated.

Pulmonary valve stenosis happens in 7% of people with congenital (present at birth) heart disease.

About 1 in 7,000 babies has pulmonary atresia at birth in the U.S.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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