valvular disease

Question 1

valves in the heart ensure?

Answer 1

unidirectional flow (if defective, flow will be in 2 directions or not at all)

Question 2

AV valves are usually?

Answer 2

AV valves usually open and close during ventricular contraction (papillary muscles PULL on chordae tendinae, which HOLD valves closed against pressure)

Question 3

semilunar valves are usually?

Answer 3

semilunar valves are usually CLOSED, only open during ventricular contraction to allow for ejection of blood (no chordae tendinae needed)

Question 4

which valves are most commonly affected in valvular disease?

Answer 4

mitral and aortic valve are most commonly effect as they are in the left ventricle and the left ventricle has the highest pressure

Question 5

etiology of valvular disease?

Answer 5

• ischemic damage to heart in vicinity of valves
• degenerative changes (increased age, decreased function)
• congenital defects (CVS defects that may affect valves)

Question 6

2 forms of valvular disease?

Answer 6

1. stenotic valve

2. regurgitant valve

Question 7

stenotic valve?

Answer 7

impeded flow, valves are sticky and stiff, do not open

Question 8

regurgitant valve?

Answer 8

backflow of blood, valves are floppy and do not close properly

Question 9

both forms of valvular disease..

Answer 9

affect cardiac blood flow...
increased workload (decrease CO, heart must work harder!)

Question 10

treatment for valvular disease?

Answer 10

-least invasive treatment first: pharmacological
so, drugs that decrease workload
surgery: repair/place valve