klepdeformatie

Klepdeformatie, often translated as valve deformation, refers to a structural change or malformation in heart valves. This can manifest in various ways, including thickening, stiffening, calcification, or distortion of the valve leaflets. These changes can impair the valve's ability to open and close properly, leading to either stenosis (narrowing of the valve opening) or regurgitation (backward flow of blood due to incomplete closure).

The causes of klepdeformatie are diverse and can include congenital defects, age-related changes (degenerative changes), rheumatic heart disease, infections such as endocarditis, and other inflammatory conditions. In some cases, the exact cause may remain unknown. The severity of klepdeformatie can range from mild, with minimal impact on heart function, to severe, causing significant symptoms and potentially leading to heart failure.

Symptoms associated with klepdeformatie depend on the specific valve affected and the degree of dysfunction. Common signs include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, and swelling in the legs and ankles. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging techniques such as echocardiography, which allows for visualization of the heart valves and assessment of their function.

Treatment strategies for klepdeformatie are tailored to the individual patient's condition, including the severity of the valve dysfunction and the presence of symptoms. Mild cases may be managed with regular monitoring. More severe cases might require medications to manage symptoms and reduce the workload on the heart, or surgical intervention such as valve repair or valve replacement to restore proper heart valve function.