Treatment:

Sometimes, treatment may not be needed if the disorder is mild.

When there are also other heart defects, medications may be used to:

• Help blood flow through the heart (prostaglandins)
• Help the heart beat stronger
• Prevent clots (blood thinners)
• Remove excess fluid (water pills)
• Treat abnormal heartbeats and rhythms

Percutaneous balloon pulmonary dilation (valvuloplasty) may be used when no other heart defects are present. This surgery is done through an artery in the groin. The doctor sends a flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon attached to the end up to the heart. The balloon stretches the opening of the valve.

Some patients may need heart surgery to repair or replace the pulmonary valve. The new valve can be made from different materials.

Expectations (prognosis):

About one-third of patients with mild stenosis get better, one-third stay the same, and one-third get worse. The outcome is good with successful surgery or balloon dilation. Other congenital heart defects may be a factor in the outlook.

Some valves can last for decades. Others wear out and will need to be replaced.

Complications:

• Cyanosis
• Death
• Heart failure
• Leaking of blood back into the right ventricle (pulmonary regurgitation) after repair
• Right ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis
• You have been treated or have untreated pulmonary valve stenosis and have developed swelling (of the ankles, legs, or abdomen), difficulty breathing, or other new symptoms