Valvular Disease (Cardiac Diseases)

Question 1

importance of valvular disease

Answer 1

• valves ensure unidirectional flow
• if valves defective, blood will flow in 2 directions or will not flow at all
• mitral and aortic valve most commonly impacted (L vent highest pressure)

Question 2

etiology

Answer 2

• ischemic damage to heart in area of valves
• degenerative changes (inc age)
• congenital birth defects

Question 3

2 forms of valvular disease

Answer 3

• stenotic valve

- regurgitant valve

Question 4

stenotic valve

Answer 4

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

Question 5

regurgitant valve

Answer 5

• backflow of blood
• valves are floppy
• do not close properly

Question 6

consequences of valvular disease

Answer 6

• alter cardiac blood flow

- inc workload (dec CO)

Question 7

Tx

Answer 7

• least invasive Tx first
• some drugs inc or dec workload
• drug based on circumstances
• aim to maintain current Fx or inc Fx
• Sx (repair/replace valve)