Pulmonic regurgitation (patient information)

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 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org]

Overview
Pulmonic regurgitation, also known as pulmonary regurgitation, is the backward flow of blood from the pulmonary artery, through the pulmonary valve, and into the right ventricle of the heart during diastole. While a small amount of pulmonic regurgitation may occur in healthy individuals, it is usually detectable only by an echocardiogram and is harmless. More pronounced regurgitation that is noticed through a routine physical examination is a medical sign of disease and warrants further investigation.

What are the symptoms of Pulmonic regurgitation?
Mild cases usually do not cause any symptoms. Because pulmonic regurgitation is the result of other factors in the body, any noticeable symptoms are ultimately caused by an underlying medical condition rather than the regurgitation itself. However, more severe regurgitation may contribute to right ventricular hypertrophy, and in later stages, right heart failure. Diastolic Murmur - Early decresendo murmur. Heard best at the left lower sternal border.

What causes an Pulmonic regurgitation?
Pulmonary hypertension is the most common cause of excessive pulmonic regurgitation. Other possible causes include tetralogy of Fallot, infective endocarditis, and congenital absence of the pulmonary valve, carcinoid syndrome.

Possible complications
Right-sided heart failure is a complication of severe pulmonic regurgitation.

Treatment options
Asymptomatic cases do not require treatment. Pulmonic regurgitation is generally treated by addressing the underlying condition. In certain cases, the pulmonary valve may be surgically replaced

What to expect(Outlook/Prognosis)
Prognosis is good in patients with mild-to-moderate pulmonic regurgitation. In patients with severe pulmonic regurgitation the heart may be able to compensate for few years but may eventually lead to heart failure.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Contact a medical professional when symptoms of breathlessness, fast heart beats, swelling in legs and other parts of body are there