A leaky heart valve may cause no problems or it may signify congestive heart failure Webmd takes a look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for a leaky heart valve. Aging can lead to a common cardiac condition known as a leaky heart valve Find out the symptoms, causes, and treatments of a leaky heart valve. Doctors treat leaky heart valve with medications, surgery, or a combination of the two Read on to learn more about leaky heart valves, including the symptoms, causes, and treatment.
What is a leaky heart valve Understand the signs, causes, and latest treatments available for valve regurgitation, and take charge of your heart health. Leaky valves, also called valve regurgitation, occur when a valve doesn't close properly and allows some blood to flow backward through the heart Leaky valves can range from minor with no symptoms at all to much more severe cases requiring valve replacement. The human heart contains four chambers Two upper chambers known as atria and two lower chambers called ventricles
The mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves Each valve consists of flaps that open to allow blood flow and close to prevent backward movement If left untreated, a leaky valve can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs Leaky valves can disrupt the heart's normal rhythm, leading to irregular heartbeats. Transcatheter procedures are minimally invasive A doctor threads a small tube, or catheter, into a blood vessel to reach the heart
Once in place, the doctor uses the catheter to repair or replace the leaky valve.
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