Klappeninsuffizienzgeräusch

Klappeninsuffizienz, also known as valvular insufficiency or regurgitation, is a medical condition where a heart valve does not close properly. This failure to close completely allows blood to leak backward in the wrong direction through the valve. Heart valves are crucial for ensuring blood flows in a single direction through the heart and into the circulatory system. When a valve is insufficient, this unidirectional flow is disrupted.

There are four heart valves: the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. Insufficiency can affect any of these. The consequences of klappeninsuffizienz depend on which valve is affected, the severity of the leak, and how long it has been present. Mild insufficiency may cause no noticeable symptoms, while severe cases can lead to significant problems.

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, swelling in the legs and feet, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. The underlying causes of klappeninsuffizienz are varied and can include age-related wear and tear, infections (like endocarditis), rheumatic fever, heart attack, congenital heart defects, and certain medications or medical conditions.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, listening to the heart sounds with a stethoscope, and imaging tests such as an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to visualize the heart and its valves. Treatment options range from medication to manage symptoms and reduce strain on the heart to surgical interventions, including valve repair or replacement, for more severe cases. The prognosis depends on the cause, severity, and effectiveness of treatment.