Valvular Heart Disease

Question 1

What is the primary cause of Mitral Stenosis?

Answer 1

Almost always rheumatic

Mitral Stenosis typically results from rheumatic fever, leading to structural changes in the valve.

Question 2

What are the consequences of Mitral Stenosis?

Answer 2

Left atrial enlargement, pulmonary hypertension, and secondary tricuspid regurgitation

These consequences arise due to increased pressure in the left atrium and subsequent heart adaptations.

Question 3

What are the types of Mitral Regurgitation?

Answer 3

Primary (degenerative, prolapse, rheumatic) or secondary (ischemic, cardiomyopathy-related)

Primary causes are related to valve structure, while secondary causes arise from other cardiac conditions.

Question 4

What is the primary cause of Aortic Stenosis in young patients?

Answer 4

Bicuspid valve

Aortic Stenosis in younger individuals is often due to a congenital bicuspid aortic valve.

Question 5

What causes Aortic Stenosis in elderly patients?

Answer 5

Calcific degeneration

In older adults, Aortic Stenosis is typically due to age-related calcification of the valve.

Question 6

What are the effects of Aortic Stenosis on the left ventricle?

Answer 6

LV hypertrophy, decreased compliance, and heart failure

The left ventricle works harder to eject blood through a narrowed outflow tract, leading to these changes.

Question 7

What are the causes of Aortic Regurgitation in young patients?

Answer 7

Bicuspid AV and Marfan syndrome

These conditions can lead to structural abnormalities and dilation of the aortic valve.

Question 8

What is a common cause of Aortic Regurgitation in elderly patients?

Answer 8

Degenerative changes

Age-related changes in the aortic valve can lead to regurgitation.

Question 9

What are the consequences of Aortic Regurgitation?

Answer 9

LV dilation and failure

The volume overload from regurgitant flow leads to dilation of the left ventricle and eventual heart failure.

Question 10

What is a common cause of Tricuspid Regurgitation?

Answer 10

Often secondary to pulmonary hypertension

Conditions that increase pressure in the pulmonary circulation can lead to right heart dilation and tricuspid regurgitation.

Question 11

What are other contributing factors to Tricuspid Regurgitation?

Answer 11

Atrial fibrillation and right heart dilation

These factors can exacerbate tricuspid valve insufficiency by affecting the valve’s function and position.