Heart Valve Disease is any condition that disrupts the proper
function of the valve. There are four valves in the heart which
help keep blood flowing in a forward direction as the various
chambers of the heart squeeze or fill. Normal heart valves open
fully to allow blood to flow in a forward direction through the
heart and close tightly to prevent blood from flowing backward.
There are two general types of valve disease. If the valve does
not open properly, the forward flow is restricted. This is
called stenosis. If the valve fails to close properly, backward
flow is not prevented when the heart pumps. This is called
regurgitation or insufficiency. In either case, forward flow is
reduced and symptoms such as breathlessness, weakness, dizziness
and fainting can occur. © 2007 Medmovie.com. All rights
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