Valvular Insufficiency

Valvular Insufficiency is a condition where the heart valves fail to close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the chamber it just left. This can cause blood to pool in the chambers of the heart and cause inefficient pumping of the blood. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure. The most common type of valvular insufficiency is aortic regurgitation, where the aortic valve fails to close completely. As a result, the blood from the left ventricle can flow back into the left atrium, leading to a decrease in cardiac output. Other types of valvular insufficiency include mitral regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, and pulmonary regurgitation. Valvular insufficiency can be caused by a variety of factors including congenital heart defects, infections, trauma, and age-related wear and tear. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and chest pain. Diagnosis is typically made through an echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound test. Treatment usually involves medications to help reduce the strain on the heart, as well as lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged valves.