klepregurgitatie

Klepregurgitatie, a term derived from the Dutch words "klep" (valve) and "regurgitatie" (regurgitation), refers to the backward flow of blood through a heart valve. This condition occurs when a heart valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the chamber from which it originated. While some degree of regurgitation can be normal and harmless, significant klepregurgitatie can impair the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to various health problems.

The causes of klepregurgitatie are diverse. It can be congenital, meaning present at birth, or acquired later in life. Acquired causes include conditions such as rheumatic fever, endocarditis (infection of the heart valves), heart attacks, high blood pressure, and degenerative changes associated with aging. The severity of klepregurgitatie can range from mild, requiring no treatment, to severe, necessitating medical intervention.

Symptoms associated with significant klepregurgitatie can include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, and swelling in the legs and feet. A doctor may diagnose klepregurgitatie through a physical examination, listening for abnormal heart sounds (murmurs), and further confirmed by diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to visualize the heart and its valves. Treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause, the specific valve affected, and the severity of the regurgitation. Options may include medications to manage symptoms or surgical repair or replacement of the faulty valve.