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The pulmonary valve is one of the valves that allow blood from the body to return to the lung for oxygenation. The normal pulmonary valve has three leaflets. Obstruction can be at the valve, below the valve or above the valve. The leaflets may be malformed, thus causing the pulmonary valve to become too narrow (stenotic) or leaky (regurgitant).
Patients with mild to moderate pulmonary valve stenosis or regurgitation seldom have other associated heart condition. However if the pulmonary stenosis is severe, it may cause you to be tired and develop shortness of breath easily on slight exertion. You may also experience fast heartbeats (palpitations).
Diagnosis normally starts with a physical examination by a doctor, assessing your medical history and routine tests. Other tests recommended may include:
Surgical/balloon valvuloplasty intervention
If the pulmonary stenosis (also known as pulmonary valve stenosis) is severe, balloon valvuloplasty can relieve the obstruction to increase blood flow to the lungs. A special balloon tipped catheter is placed across the stenotic valve. The balloon is then inflated, stretching the valve open.
If the pulmonary valve is severely leaky, an operation is usually needed to repair or replace the malformed valve. However, if you have a previous pulmonary valve replacement, you can be a candidate for percutaneous valve replacement.
Ongoing medical therapy
If the pulmonary stenosis or regurgitation is mild to moderate, intervention may not be necessary. However there is a need for ongoing follow-up with your cardiologist to check for any abnormal heart rhythm or enlargement of the right ventricle.