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Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin have the unmatched expertise to treat all types of valve disease. In fact, we often treat patients with conditions too complicated for other facilities.
Common Valve Diseases Treated
Valve disease can be caused by a number of factors and each valve may be affected differently. Some patients might be born with valve problems, also called congenital heart disease. Our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program is one of the few of its kind in the state, and treats adults with all types of congenital heart defects. Some valve disease may be due to infection, rheumatic fever, heart attack, coronary artery disease or other causes.
Common valve diseases include:
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- Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) – The mitral valve allows blood to flow from your heart’s left atrium to the left ventricle. MVP is one of the most common heart valve problems. With MVP, one or both of the valve’s “flaps,” called leaflets, are enlarged. They bulge back into the atrium each time the heart pumps, causing a small amount of blood to flow back into the atrium. If MVP becomes severe, the left side of the heart can become enlarged, and treatment may be required.
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation – Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the valve doesn’t close properly and blood flows backward into the left atrium. That means the heart has to work harder to compensate.
- Mitral Stenosis – With mitral stenosis, the mitral valve becomes narrowed and makes it difficult for blood to flow into the left ventricle. This increases pressure in the left atrium, which can lead to several problems including pulmonary edema, arrhythmia and blood clots.
- Aortic Valve Insufficiency or Aortic Valve Regurgitation – The aortic valve helps pump blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. Aortic valve regurgitation, also called insufficiency, occurs when the aortic valve doesn’t close properly and blood flows back into the left ventricle. This makes the heart work harder, and in some cases can lead to enlargement of the left ventricle. Not all leakages require treatment.
- Aortic Valve Stenosis – With aortic valve stenosis, the aortic valve has narrowed, making it harder for blood to flow through to the aorta. This can lead to higher pressure in the left ventricle, which can make the muscle work harder and eventually thicken.
Less Common Valvular Disease TreatedWe also treat less common valvular disease, including:
- Bicuspid valve and associated aortopathy
- Tricuspid regurgitation
- Tricuspid valve disease
- Tricuspid stenosis
- Pulmonic valve disease
- Pulmonic regurgitation
- Pulmonic stenosis
- Multiple valve disease
- Endocarditis
Multidisciplinary TreatmentsOther conditions can contribute to valve disease or occur at the same time. At the Heart and Vascular Center, we are experienced in caring for patients with multiple conditions and delivering the best treatment options available. Read more about these other conditions:
Author: Joan Cotter Pike Date: Apr. 30, 2012 | Medical Reviewer: | Drs. Woods and Nicolosi |
Last Review Date: Aug. 10, 2012 Online Editor(s): Kathryn Adam |
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