Pulmonary Valve Disease – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Pulmonary valve disease affects the valve that sits between the heart’s right lower chamber and the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs.
This condition can vary widely in how it impacts individuals. While some may live with it for years without noticeable effects, others may face more serious challenges related to how well blood circulates through the lungs and to the rest of the body.
Signs of Pulmonary Valve Disease
Pulmonary valve disease shows different symptoms based on how the valve condition affects blood flow. Some people are born with this condition, with symptoms appearing right after birth, while others may not notice problems until later in life.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties (when resting, active, or lying down)
- Feeling tired often
- Passing out unexpectedly
Newborns with pulmonary valve disease might have bluish or grayish skin color due to low oxygen levels. These color changes may be more or less noticeable depending on the baby’s natural skin tone.
When Medical Help Is Needed
Visit a healthcare provider if you or your child experiences:
- Trouble breathing
- Pain in the chest area
- Episodes of fainting
For sudden or unexplained chest pain, call emergency services (911) immediately.
Causes
Pulmonary valve disease typically begins before birth as a congenital heart defect. However, it can also develop later in life due to other health problems.
The pulmonary valve acts as a one-way door between the right ventricle (lower right heart chamber) and the lungs. Blood normally flows from the right ventricle through this valve and into the lungs, where it picks up oxygen to deliver throughout the body.
When the pulmonary valve doesn’t function properly, the heart must work harder to push blood to the lungs. This extra strain can cause the right ventricle’s walls to thicken over time.
There are three main types of pulmonary valve problems:
- Narrowed Valve (Stenosis): The opening becomes smaller than normal, limiting blood flow to the lungs.
- Leaky Valve (Regurgitation): The valve doesn’t close completely, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart.
- Absent Valve (Atresia): A birth defect where the valve doesn’t form at all, and solid tissue blocks blood flow.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing pulmonary valve disease:
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Congenital Heart Defects | Heart conditions present at birth affecting valve shape and function |
| Carcinoid Syndrome | Rare tumor condition releasing chemicals that damage heart valves |
| Chest Trauma | Physical injury to the chest area from accidents |
| Rubella Exposure | German measles infection during pregnancy affecting fetal development |
| Endocarditis | Infection of the heart lining and valves, more common with IV drug use |
| Noonan Syndrome | Genetic disorder commonly causing pulmonary valve problems |
Birth Heart Conditions
Congenital heart defects present at birth may affect the pulmonary valve’s structure and function. These defects can alter how blood flows through the heart and lungs from an early age.
Carcinoid Syndrome
This rare condition occurs when certain tumors release chemicals into the bloodstream. It can lead to carcinoid heart disease, which often damages both the pulmonary and tricuspid valves.
Chest Trauma
Serious injuries to the chest area, such as those from vehicle accidents, can damage the pulmonary valve. This damage may result in pulmonary valve regurgitation, where blood leaks backward through the valve.
Rubella During Pregnancy
If a mother contracts German measles (rubella) while pregnant, her baby faces a higher risk of developing pulmonary valve stenosis. This highlights the importance of vaccination and prenatal care.
Heart Infections
Endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining and valves, can damage the pulmonary valve. People who use intravenous drugs have a higher risk of developing this infection.
Genetic Conditions
Noonan syndrome, a genetic disorder, commonly causes pulmonary valve stenosis as one of its heart-related complications. This condition affects multiple body systems and is caused by genetic mutations.
For pregnant women, getting vaccinated against rubella before pregnancy and following proper prenatal care reduces the risk of their babies developing valve problems.
