This diagram shows the valves of the<unk> . The aortic and mitral valves are shown in the left<unk> , and the tricuspid and pulmonic valves are shown in the right<unk> . Stenosis and insufficiency/regurgitation represent the dominant functional and anatomic consequences associated with<unk> . Irrespective of disease process, alterations to the valve occur that produce one or a combination of these conditions. Insufficiency and regurgitation are synonymous terms that describe an inability of the valve to prevent backflow of blood as leaflets of the valve fail to join (coapt) correctly. Stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the<unk>  orifice that prevents adequate outflow of blood. Stenosis can also result in insufficiency if thickening of the annulus or leaflets results in inappropriate leaf closure. Valve involved Stenotic disease Insufficiency/regurgitation disease Aortic valve Aortic valve stenosis Aortic insufficiency/regurgitation Mitral valve Mitral valve stenosis Mitral insufficiency/regurgitation Tricuspid valve Tricuspid valve stenosis Tricuspid insufficiency/regurgitation Pulmonary valve Pulmonary valve stenosis Pulmonary insufficiency/regurgitation Aortic and mitral valve disorders Aortic and mitral valve disorders are left<unk>  diseases that are more prevalent than diseases of the pulmonary or tricuspid valve in the right<unk>  due to the higher pressures in the left<unk> . Stenosis of the aortic valve is characterized by a thickening of the<unk>  annulus or leaflets that limits the ability of blood to be ejected from the left ventricle into the aorta. Stenosis is typically the result of<unk>  calcification but may be the result of a congenitally malformed bicuspid aortic valve. This defect is characterized by the presence of only two valve leaflets. It may occur in isolation or in concert with other cardiac anomalies. Aortic insufficiency, or regurgitation, is characterized by an inability of the valve leaflets to appropriately close at the end systole, thus allowing blood to flow inappropriately backward into the left ventricle. Causes of aortic insufficiency in the majority of cases are unknown, or idiopathic. It may be the result of connective tissue or immune disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus, respectively. Processes that lead to aortic insufficiency usually involve dilation of the valve annulus, thus displacing the valve leaflets, which are anchored in the annulus. Mitral stenosis is caused largely by rheumatic<unk>  disease, though is rarely the result of calcification. In some cases, vegetations form on the mitral leaflets as a result of endocarditis, an inflammation of the<unk>  tissue. Mitral stenosis is uncommon and not as age-dependent as other types of<unk>  disease. Mitral insufficiency can be caused by dilation of the left<unk> , often a consequence of<unk>  failure. In these cases, the left ventricle of the<unk>  becomes enlarged and causes displacement of the attached papillary muscles, which control the mitral. Pulmonary and tricuspid valve disorders Pulmonary and tricuspid valve diseases are right<unk>  diseases. Pulmonary valve diseases are the least common<unk>  valve disease in adults. Pulmonary valve stenosis is often the result of congenital malformations and is observed in isolation or as part of a larger pathologic process, as in Tetralogy of Fallot, Noonan syndrome, and congenital rubella syndrome. Unless the degree of stenosis is severe, individuals with pulmonary stenosis usually have excellent outcomes and better treatment options. Often patients do not require intervention until later in adulthood as a consequence of calcification that occurs with aging. Pulmonary valve insufficiency occurs commonly in<unk> hy individuals to a very mild extent and does not require intervention. More appreciable insufficiency is typically the result of damage to the valve due to cardiac catheterization, intra-aortic balloon pump insertion, or other surgical manipulations. Additionally, insufficiency may be the result of carcinoid syndrome, inflammatory processes such a rheumatoid disease or endocarditis, or congenital malformations. It may also be secondary to severe pulmonary hypertension. Tricuspid valve stenosis without co-occurrent regurgitation is highly uncommon and typically the result of rheumatic disease. It may also be the result of congenital abnormalities, carcinoid syndrome, obstructive right atrial tumors (typically lipomas or myxomas), or hypereosinophilic syndromes. Minor tricuspid insufficiency is common in<unk> hy individuals. In more severe cases it is a consequence of dilation of the right ventricle, leading to displacement of the papillary muscles which control the valve's ability to close. Dilation of the right ventricle occurs secondary to ventricular septal defects, right to left shunting of blood, eisenmenger syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and pulmonary stenosis. Tricuspid insufficiency may also be the result of congenital defects of the tricuspid valve, such as Ebstein's anomaly.
Valvular heart disease
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Heart valve dysplasia
Arteriosclerotic heart disease
Primary tumors of the heart
Autoimmune heart disease
Coronary artery disease
Pulmonary heart disease