Understanding Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Pulmonary valve stenosis is one of the complications that can arise from tetralogy of Fallot. The role of the pulmonary valve is to regulate the flow of blood between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, which is responsible for carrying oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. However, when pulmonary valve stenosis occurs, this pathway becomes narrowed, leading to a restriction in the amount of blood that can pass through. Additionally, this condition can also have an impact on the surrounding muscle, potentially causing further complications with blood flow.
Understanding Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
Right ventricular hypertrophy, a common defect found in tetralogy of Fallot, occurs when the right ventricle of the heart becomes thickened and stiffened. This condition is a result of the heart’s increased effort to pump blood into the lungs due to pulmonary valve stenosis. Over time, the right ventricle weakens and may eventually fail.