Symptoms of pulmonary regurgitation occur when blood is leaking back into the heart instead of going to the lungs to get oxygen. These leaks can cause fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath and fainting. If left untreated, the problem can lead to a heart failure.
Often, the first sign of pulmonary regurgitation is an irregular heart rate or palpitations. Some medications can help control these symptoms. These include beta blockers, diuretics and calcium channel blockers. These drugs improve blood flow and make the heart beat more regularly. The doctor may also prescribe medications that control the heart’s electrical activity. They also help eliminate excess water from the body.
In some cases, pulmonary regurgitation is caused by rheumatic heart disease. This condition is a bacterial infection that damages the heart valves. It can also occur when a patient has a congenital defect of the heart. For example, some patients are born with a thickened or narrowed pulmonary valve.
If a person has a moderate leak, the outlook is good with early treatment. However, some people can develop severe pulmonary regurgitation. This condition can be serious and can require surgery to repair the valve. The patient will need to undergo regular monitoring to prevent damage to the heart. A cardiologist will determine when a pulmonary valve replacement should be performed.
Pulmonary regurgitation is usually cured. However, the effects of the condition can continue to be a hazard to the patient’s health. If the leak is large, it can damage the right side of the heart. If the pulmonary valve is damaged, the lungs cannot pick up enough oxygen to keep up with the rest of the body. If the pulmonic valve is repaired, the patient’s right ventricle will be able to pump blood into the lungs.
The main goal of pulmonary regurgitation treatment is to minimize the effects of the disease. When the leak is moderate or no leak is present, there is no need for immediate treatment. The best way to avoid the complications of pulmonary regurgitation is to take the steps to ensure that infections are not a hazard to the patient. This will reduce the risk of a recurrence of the condition.
If the pulmonary regurgitation is not treated, it can progress to ventricular remodeling and heart failure. This is an indication of a more serious condition and can require medication and surgery. A healthcare provider will use an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check the heart’s electrical activity. The EKG will tell the doctor if the heart has enlarged due to the regurgitation. A chest x-ray can also be used to diagnose pulmonary regurgitation.
In some cases, a carcinoid tumor can affect the pulmonary valve and interfere with blood flow. In other cases, the disease can be inherited. If the cause of pulmonary regurgitation is a congenital defect, the patient will need to have regular medical checkups. A primary care physician will coordinate care with the pediatric cardiologist. The patient’s cardiologist will monitor the patient’s symptoms, exercise tolerance and the development of ventricular remodeling.
