Valvular Heart Disease Flashcards
What is a valve?
A device for controlling the passage of fluid allowing movement in one direction only.
When do valves stop growing?
Around 14 years old, the loose their blood supply and become fibrous flaps.
What problems can occur with the leaflets of a valve?
- calcification
- thickening
- degeneration
- infection
- prolapse
What problems can occur with the apparatus/annulus of a valve?
- annular dilatation
- annular calcification
- chordae tethering, thickening or rupture.
- regional wall motion abnormality.
Describe the structure of the aortic valve?
- 3 self-contained leaflets
- no chordae or papillary muscles
Describe the location of the aortic valve?
- Lies between LV and aorta
- In the aortic root which doesnt move.
Describe the structure of the mitral valve?
- 2 leaflets, 6 scallops
- Posterior leaflet is smaller than the anterior.
Describe the location of the mitral valve?
- between LA and LV
- held in mitral valve annulus which is part of LV so moves.
What is the prevelance of a bicuspid aortic valve?
1-2% of population.
What is the issue with bicuspid aortic valves?
Normally no issue, but in valve disease may see symptoms quicker due to already narrower orifice.
What is ‘low flow, low gradient’ ?
The idea that the narrower the orifice in aortic stenosis, the louder the murmur. BUT if there is LV dysfunction below the valve the murmur will disappear.
List symptoms of aortic stenosis?
- decreased exercise capacity
- SOB
- chest pain
- presyncope
- syncope
What effect does aortic stenosis have on the rest of the heart?
Increased LV cavity pressure causing pressure overload
Causes LV hypertrophy.
What can cause aortic regurgitation?
- degeneration, rheumatic valve disease, aortic root dilatation
- endocarditis
- systemic disease: Marfan syndrome, Ehler Danlos syndrome, Akalysing spondylitis, SLE.
Describe symptoms of aortic regurgitation?
- decreased exercise capacity
- SOB