Valvular Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is valvular disease?
A
disease of valves in the heart
2
Q
What is the purpose of valves in the heart?
A
allow unidirectional flow of blood
3
Q
Which two valves are more susceptible to valvular disease and why?
A
mitral valve and the aortic semilunar valve because they are subject to higher pressure
4
Q
What causes valvular disease?
A
- valve trauma
- degenerative changes
- ischemic damage
- congenital defects
5
Q
What two problems occur in valvular disease?
A
1) stenosis - stiff valves, impedes blood flow
2) incompetence - floppy, distorted valves, causes improper closure of valves and regurgitation
6
Q
How is valvular disease treated?
A
- maintain or improve function (ex. may give positive inotrope for stenosis)
- surgery
