Valvulopatías

Valvulopatías refer to diseases or conditions affecting the heart valves. The heart has four main valves: the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves. These valves ensure that blood flows in the correct direction through the heart, opening to allow blood to flow forward and closing to prevent backflow. When these valves are damaged, they can either fail to open properly (stenosis) or fail to close completely (regurgitation or insufficiency).

Stenosis occurs when a valve narrows, restricting blood flow. This can lead to the heart having to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed opening. Regurgitation occurs when a valve leaks, allowing blood to flow backward into the chamber it just left. This also increases the workload on the heart.

Valvulopathies can be congenital, meaning a person is born with them, or acquired later in life. Acquired causes include rheumatic fever, infections (like endocarditis), aging, and other heart conditions. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and type of valvulopathy, and may include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, palpitations, and swelling in the legs or ankles. Diagnosis often involves physical examination, echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), and sometimes other imaging tests. Treatment options range from monitoring and medication to surgical or transcatheter valve repair or replacement.