Valvular insufficiency, also known as valvular incompetence or valve regurgitation, is a medical condition characterized by the improper functioning of a heart valve. The heart has four main valves - the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonic valves - which help regulate blood flow through the heart chambers and prevent backflow.
Valvular insufficiency occurs when one or more of these valves fail to close properly, leading to the backflow of blood. This happens when the valve leaflets do not form a tight seal or when the valve opening is enlarged or deformed, causing blood to leak back into the chamber it came from. Consequently, some of the blood that should be pumped forward is instead forced to flow backward.
The condition can affect any of the heart valves, but the most commonly affected valves are the mitral and aortic valves. Valvular insufficiency can result from congenital heart defects, age-related degeneration, rheumatic fever, endocarditis (infection of the heart lining), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or other underlying heart conditions.
Symptoms may vary depending on the severity and location of the valve dysfunction. However, common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, irregular heartbeat, swollen ankles or feet, and excessive urination at night. If left untreated, valvular insufficiency can lead to complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, blood clots, or damage to other organs.
Medical evaluation and diagnosis through physical exams, medical history, and imaging tests are used to confirm the presence and severity of valvular insufficiency. Treatments range from medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications, to surgical interventions such as valve repair or replacement, depending on the specific case
