Caring for Pulmonary Valve Disease in Northern California
Your heart’s pulmonary valve functions to let blood flow from the lower-right chamber (right ventricle) into the pulmonary artery. From there, blood flows to your lungs to collect fresh oxygen. When it’s working properly, the pulmonary valve only allows blood to move forward. If it’s damaged in any way, blood can flow backward into the right ventricle.
At Dignity Health North State, our cardiologists specialize in treating all types of pulmonary valve disorders, including pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary valve regurgitation. To make an appointment about pulmonary valve disease in Northern California, Find a Doctor online.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Valve Disease
In most instances, there are no noticeable symptoms of pulmonary valve disease. Like many valve disorders, it may often be discovered during a routine physical examination. Pulmonary valve disease produces an abnormal sound which your doctor can detect with a stethoscope.
In the advanced stages, symptoms of pulmonary stenosis may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Turning blue around the lips
- Inability to gain weight
- Chest pain
- Listlessness
- Fatigue or tiring easily with exercise
If you or a loved one have one or more of these symptoms, meet with a Dignity Health North State doctor to receive a diagnosis and personal care.
Causes of Pulmonary Valve Disease
The causes of pulmonary valve disorders depend on the type. Pulmonary valve regurgitation in adults is typically the result of high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, or pulmonary hypertension. In children, the cause is a birth defect, specifically “tetralogy of Fallot”, and involves four separate problems with the heart. Pulmonary valve stenosis, which is a narrowing or stiffening of the valve, generally occurs in childhood and is the result of a birth defect.
Treatment for Pulmonary Valve Disease at Dignity Health North State
Our heart doctors focus on treating underlying conditions that cause problems with the pulmonary valve. Treatment depends on the type, stage, and severity of the disorder, and may include medication or surgery. Medications treats pulmonary hypertension that causes pulmonary regurgitation. You may need surgery to treat heart defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot or to replace the pulmonary valve in severe cases.
Treatment isn’t necessary for mild-to-moderate pulmonary valve disease.
When you visit Dignity Health North State, our providers can evaluate your condition and create a personalized plan for your care.
Dignity Health North State cardiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary valve disease in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.