Diseases

Pulmonary Incontence

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Pulmonary incompetence pertains to a structural defect of a heart valve. This disorder happens when the pulmonary heart valve is closes poorly & causes blood from the pulmonary artery to backflow into the right ventricle. It is more commonly known as pulmonary valve insufficiency.

SYMPTOMS

Few or no symptoms are generally found with pulmonary valve insufficiency. A murmur may be initially noticed (using a stethoscope) in a medical exam of the heart & chest.

CAUSES

There are several causes to this condition particularly severe pulmonary hypertension (high pressure in the arteries & veins of the lungs). Chronic lung disease, lung blood clots & sometimes endocarditis (an inflammation of the lining of the heart & valves) cause pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary incompetence may also be caused by surgery for congenital heart disease.