Pulmonary Stenosis | Symptoms and Treatment | MedStar Health

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A narrowed path for blood from the heart to the lungs

Pulmonary stenosis is a condition in which the pulmonary valve is narrower than normal. This results in slower blood flow to the lungs. Pulmonary stenosis most often is caused by a congenital heart condition, which is present from birth.

Mild pulmonary stenosis often doesn’t require treatment aside from regular checkups. More severe disease could lead to cardiomyopathy or heart failure. Our structural heart and valvular disease program provides specialized evaluation and care for patients with mild to severe pulmonary stenosis.

Valvular Stenosis

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If a valve becomes narrow, stiff or thickened, the heart must work harder to force blood through the smaller opening. A valve that has become narrowed or thickened can compromise blood flow. This condition is called valvular stenosis.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary stenosis?

You may not notice any symptoms if your condition is mild. Moderate or severe pulmonary stenosis symptoms may include:

Tests

Your doctor may first notice pulmonary stenosis by hearing a heart murmur with a stethoscope during a regular checkup. Additional tests can help confirm whether you have this condition, as well as how severe it is.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses x-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology used to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Treatments

Mild pulmonary stenosis may not need any treatment apart from regular checkups. If your condition is severe, your doctor may recommend a balloon valvuloplasty to widen the pulmonary valve or a procedure to repair or replace the valve.

Balloon Valvuloplasty

Balloon valvuloplasty improves blood flow through the heart to the lungs and body by opening a stiff heart valve.

Pulmonary Valve Repair and Replacement

Pulmonary valve repair and replacement procedures include minimally invasive and traditional surgery as well as several types of replacement material.

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (TPVR)

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) is a minimally invasive option to replace a damaged pulmonary valve that reduces blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

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