Pulmonary Stenosis: A Serious Heart Condition Requiring Prompt Attention
Pulmonary stenosis, a heart condition affecting blood flow, has been in the spotlight. This happens when the pulmonic valve, one of two that allow blood to leave the heart via the arteries, becomes narrowed or blocked. The pulmonic valve, located in the right ventricle, opens during ventricular systole, pushing blood into the pulmonary artery, and closes when pressure drops inside the heart, preventing backflow.
Congenital heart disease is the most common cause of pulmonary stenosis. Other causes include rheumatic heart disease and a malignant carcinoid tumor. The condition obstructs blood flow out of the heart, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated. Treatment options typically start with balloon valvuloplasty via catheter intervention, a minimally invasive procedure. This involves inflating a balloon to widen the narrowed valve. In severe cases, surgical valvuloplasty or valve replacement may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged valve.
Pulmonary stenosis, affecting the critical pulmonic valve, requires prompt attention. While treatments are available, early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing long-term damage and maintaining heart health.
