Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Pulmonary Valve

My Pulmonary Valve was leaking (on a scale from 1-10 ) at a 4. My doctor put me on Lysinopril and 4 mos. later it was leaking at a 2 1/2 to a 3. My doctor says it could be scar tissue or the leaflet could be prolapsed and has just pulled back. Can anyone tell me how this prolapse and pull back could occur and if one theorectically could, scientifically fix this without surgery. Thank You.
Jenna
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
367994 tn?1304953593
There are chords (chorda tendinea) that function as a "hinge" and attaches to the heart wall and valve leaflets.  Prolapse happens when the cord is somewhat more elongated than normal.  The leaflet under pressure bellows into the atrium and doesn't seal the valve resulting in back flow (leakage) of blood when the ventricle is contracting.

Sometimes the papillary muscle (area where the chordae is attached) may be damaged from an MI or virus, etc. causing the chordae to be elongated.  If the papillary muscle returns to normal size or a reduction of inflammation, etc., the leaflets could possibly again close the orifice adequately.  If the leaflet is inflammed or damaged , that will also cause leakage.  If the inflammed or damaged leaflet heals, it can then possibly readjust to a better seal.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Community

Top Heart Disease Answerers
159619 tn?1707018272
Salt Lake City, UT
11548417 tn?1506080564
Netherlands
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.