sydänläppävika

Sydänläppävika refers to a condition where one or more of the heart valves do not function correctly. The heart has four valves: the mitral valve, aortic valve, tricuspid valve, and pulmonary valve. These valves ensure that blood flows in the correct direction through the heart chambers and out to the body.

There are two main types of sydänläppävika: stenosis and regurgitation. Valvular stenosis occurs when a valve narrows, making it difficult for blood to flow through. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood. Valvular regurgitation, also known as insufficiency or incompetence, happens when a valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the chamber it just left.

Sydänläppävika can be congenital, meaning a person is born with it, or it can develop later in life due to factors such as age-related wear and tear, rheumatic fever, heart attack, high blood pressure, or infections. Some individuals with mild sydänläppävika may experience no symptoms, while others can develop shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, or swelling in the legs and feet.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, listening to the heart with a stethoscope for abnormal sounds (murmurs), and imaging tests such as an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to visualize the heart's structure and function. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, the specific valve affected, and the presence of symptoms. Options range from regular monitoring and medication to manage symptoms and prevent complications, to surgical intervention such as valve repair or replacement.