VALVULAR INCOMPETENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Valvular incompetence, also known as valvular insufficiency or regurgitation, is a medical condition that refers to the malfunctioning or weakening of one or more heart valves, resulting in the incomplete closure of the valve leaflets during the cardiac cycle. The heart consists of four major valves (the aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves), which regulate the flow of blood between different chambers and blood vessels.
In a healthy heart, these valves close tightly to prevent the backflow of blood and ensure unidirectional flow through the circulatory system. However, when valvular incompetence occurs, the affected valve(s) fail to close completely, allowing blood to leak backward or regurgitate into the chamber it came from. This regurgitation can lead to decreased blood flow efficiency, as well as additional stress on the heart and its surrounding structures.
Valvular incompetence can be classified based on the specific affected valve(s) and the underlying cause. While congenital heart defects can result in valvular incompetence, it is most commonly caused by acquired conditions, such as age-related degeneration, rheumatic fever, infective endocarditis, or heart attacks. Symptoms of valvular incompetence may vary depending on the severity and location of the faulty valve(s), but can include palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and fluid retention.
Medical management of valvular incompetence aims to control symptoms and minimize complications through medication, lifestyle modifications, and surveillance. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or replace the affected valve(s). Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent further deterioration of heart function, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening complications.
Common Misspellings for VALVULAR INCOMPETENCE
- calvular incompetence
- balvular incompetence
- galvular incompetence
- falvular incompetence
- vzlvular incompetence
- vslvular incompetence
- vwlvular incompetence
- vqlvular incompetence
- vakvular incompetence
- vapvular incompetence
- vaovular incompetence
- valcular incompetence
- valbular incompetence
- valgular incompetence
- valfular incompetence
- valvylar incompetence
- valvhlar incompetence
- valvjlar incompetence
- valvilar incompetence
Etymology of VALVULAR INCOMPETENCE
The word "valvular incompetence" can be broken down into two parts: "valvular" and "incompetence".
- Valvular: This term is derived from the word "valve", which comes from the Latin word "valva" meaning "a folding door" or "a valve of a folding door". The Latin word "valvula" refers to "a little valve". The English word "valve" is used to describe a mechanical device that regulates the flow of a fluid or gas, allowing it to pass in one direction while preventing backflow.
- Incompetence: This word originates from the Latin word "incompetentia", which combines "in-" (prefix meaning "not" or "without") and "competentia" (meaning "fitness" or "ability").
