Pulmonary valve regurgitation, also known as pulmonic regurgitation, occurs when the pulmonary valve, located between the heart’s right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, doesn’t close completely, causing blood to leak backward into the heart.

This condition can be caused by congenitial heart defects, pulmonary hypertension, or infections like endocarditis and rheumatic fever.

Signs & Symptoms

Pulmonary valve regurgitation may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity
• Fatigue
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or fainting
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen
• Heart palpitations
• A heart murmur, which can be detected during a physical exam

Diagnosis

A Deborah physician may suspect pulmonary valve regurgitation based on a heart murmur detected during a physical exam. To confirm the diagnosis and assess its severity, diagnostic tests may include:

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac catheterization