What is pulmonary valve stenosis. How does it affect the heart. What are the treatment options for pulmonary valve stenosis. How does pulmonary valve stenosis impact daily activities. What is the long-term outlook for individuals with pulmonary valve stenosis.

Understanding Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: A Comprehensive Overview

Pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) is a common congenital heart defect that affects the pulmonary valve, which is responsible for regulating blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. This condition occurs when the pulmonary valve narrows, causing the right ventricle to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed opening. While the exact cause of PS is often unknown, it can have significant impacts on heart function and overall health.

What is Pulmonary Valve Stenosis?

Pulmonary valve stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the pulmonary valve, which impedes the normal flow of blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. This narrowing forces the right ventricle to exert more pressure to pump blood through the constricted valve, potentially leading to various complications if left untreated.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

The etiology of pulmonary valve stenosis is not fully understood in most cases. However, several factors have been identified that may contribute to its development:

• Genetic predisposition
• Maternal rubella infection during pregnancy
• Associated congenital heart defects
• Environmental factors

In rare instances, pulmonary valve stenosis may occur in conjunction with other cardiac abnormalities, forming part of a more complex congenital heart condition.

Is Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Hereditary?

While a direct genetic link has not been firmly established, there is evidence to suggest that pulmonary valve stenosis may have a hereditary component. Families with a history of congenital heart defects may have an increased risk of having children with PS. However, it’s important to note that many cases occur sporadically without any clear familial pattern.

The Impact of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis on Heart Function

Pulmonary valve stenosis can significantly affect the heart’s ability to function properly. The narrowed valve creates increased resistance to blood flow, leading to several physiological changes:

1. Elevated right ventricular pressure
2. Right ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle)
3. Reduced blood flow to the lungs
4. Potential right-sided heart failure in severe cases

These changes can result in various symptoms and complications, especially as the condition progresses or if left untreated.

How Does Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Affect Oxygen Saturation?

In severe cases of pulmonary valve stenosis, particularly in infants, reduced blood flow to the lungs can lead to decreased oxygen saturation in the blood. This may result in cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. However, cyanosis is relatively uncommon in older children and adults with isolated PS, unless there are additional cardiac defects present.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

The symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and the age of the individual affected. Many people with mild PS may be asymptomatic, while those with more severe stenosis may experience:

• Fatigue and exercise intolerance
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fainting or dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Cyanosis (in severe cases, particularly in infants)

It’s crucial to note that the absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate that the condition is benign or doesn’t require medical attention. Regular cardiac evaluations are essential for individuals diagnosed with pulmonary valve stenosis, even if they feel well.

Can Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Develop Later in Life?

While pulmonary valve stenosis is typically a congenital condition, it is possible for individuals to develop acquired pulmonary stenosis later in life. This can occur due to various factors such as:

• Rheumatic fever
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Infective endocarditis
• Certain autoimmune disorders

However, these cases are relatively rare compared to congenital pulmonary valve stenosis.

Diagnostic Approaches for Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Accurate diagnosis of pulmonary valve stenosis is crucial for appropriate management and treatment. Healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to assess the presence and severity of PS:

1. Physical examination: Listening for heart murmurs characteristic of PS
2. Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging to visualize heart structure and function
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluating electrical activity of the heart
4. Chest X-ray: Assessing heart size and pulmonary vasculature
5. Cardiac catheterization: Measuring pressures within the heart chambers
6. Cardiac MRI: Providing detailed images of heart structure and function

These diagnostic tools help healthcare providers determine the severity of the stenosis, assess right ventricular function, and guide treatment decisions.

How Is the Severity of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Determined?

The severity of pulmonary valve stenosis is typically classified based on the pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve, which is measured during echocardiography or cardiac catheterization. The classifications are generally as follows:

• Mild: Pressure gradient less than 30 mmHg
• Moderate: Pressure gradient between 30-50 mmHg
• Severe: Pressure gradient greater than 50 mmHg

However, it’s important to note that these values may vary slightly depending on the specific guidelines used by different healthcare institutions.

Treatment Options for Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

The treatment approach for pulmonary valve stenosis depends on the severity of the condition, the presence of symptoms, and the overall health of the individual. Treatment options include:

1. Observation and monitoring: For mild cases without symptoms
2. Balloon valvuloplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to widen the valve
3. Surgical valvotomy: Open-heart surgery to repair the valve
4. Valve replacement: In cases where repair is not possible

The choice of treatment is individualized based on the patient’s specific circumstances and the expertise of the treating medical team.

What Is Balloon Valvuloplasty and How Is It Performed?

Balloon valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used to treat pulmonary valve stenosis. During this procedure:

1. A catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin area.
2. The catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the narrowed pulmonary valve.
3. Once in position, the balloon is inflated, stretching the valve open.
4. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the valve in a more open position.

This procedure can significantly improve blood flow through the pulmonary valve and reduce the workload on the right ventricle. It is often the preferred treatment option for many patients with pulmonary valve stenosis, as it is less invasive than open-heart surgery and has a shorter recovery time.

Long-Term Outlook and Management of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

The prognosis for individuals with pulmonary valve stenosis is generally favorable, especially when the condition is diagnosed and treated early. Many patients who undergo successful treatment experience significant improvement in their quality of life and have a normal life expectancy. However, long-term follow-up is essential to monitor for potential complications or recurrence of stenosis.

What Follow-Up Care Is Needed After Treatment for Pulmonary Valve Stenosis?

After treatment for pulmonary valve stenosis, patients typically require ongoing cardiac care, which may include:

• Regular check-ups with a cardiologist
• Periodic echocardiograms to assess valve function and right ventricular pressure
• Exercise stress tests to evaluate cardiac performance during physical activity
• Monitoring for signs of valve regurgitation or restenosis
• Management of any associated cardiac conditions

The frequency of follow-up visits and tests will depend on the individual’s specific situation and the recommendations of their healthcare provider.

Living with Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: Lifestyle Considerations

Many individuals with treated pulmonary valve stenosis can lead active, healthy lives. However, certain lifestyle considerations may be necessary:

• Regular exercise as recommended by healthcare providers
• Maintaining a heart-healthy diet
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Adhering to prescribed medications, if any
• Practicing good dental hygiene to prevent endocarditis

It’s important for individuals with pulmonary valve stenosis to work closely with their healthcare team to develop an appropriate lifestyle plan that supports their cardiac health while allowing them to enjoy a full and active life.

Can Individuals with Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Participate in Sports?

Many individuals with mild to moderate pulmonary valve stenosis, or those who have undergone successful treatment, can participate in sports and physical activities. However, the level and intensity of participation should be guided by:

• The severity of the stenosis
• The individual’s overall cardiac function
• Recommendations from their cardiologist
• Any associated cardiac conditions

In some cases, restrictions may be placed on high-intensity or contact sports to minimize the risk of complications. It’s crucial for individuals with pulmonary valve stenosis to consult with their healthcare provider before engaging in any new or strenuous physical activities.

Advances in Research and Future Directions in Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Treatment

Ongoing research in the field of congenital heart defects, including pulmonary valve stenosis, continues to advance our understanding of the condition and improve treatment options. Some areas of current research and future directions include:

• Gene therapy approaches to prevent or treat congenital heart defects
• Development of more durable and biocompatible valve replacement materials
• Improved imaging techniques for earlier and more accurate diagnosis
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques for valve repair and replacement
• Long-term outcomes studies to optimize treatment strategies

These advancements hold promise for improving the management and outcomes of individuals with pulmonary valve stenosis in the future.

What Role Does Genetic Testing Play in Pulmonary Valve Stenosis?

While genetic testing is not routinely performed for isolated pulmonary valve stenosis, it may be recommended in certain situations:

• When PS is associated with other congenital anomalies
• In cases of familial clustering of congenital heart defects
• To identify potential genetic syndromes that include PS as a feature
• For research purposes to better understand the genetic basis of the condition

Genetic testing can provide valuable information for family planning and may help identify individuals at risk for associated conditions. However, the decision to pursue genetic testing should be made in consultation with a genetic counselor or specialist in cardiovascular genetics.

Support and Resources for Individuals with Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Living with pulmonary valve stenosis or caring for someone with the condition can be challenging. Fortunately, there are numerous resources and support systems available to help individuals and families affected by PS:

• Patient support groups and online communities
• Educational materials from reputable cardiac health organizations
• Psychological counseling services
• Financial assistance programs for medical expenses
• Specialized cardiac rehabilitation programs
• Transition programs for adolescents moving to adult cardiac care

Engaging with these resources can provide emotional support, practical advice, and valuable information to help navigate life with pulmonary valve stenosis.

How Can Families Support Children with Pulmonary Valve Stenosis?

Families play a crucial role in supporting children with pulmonary valve stenosis. Some ways to provide support include:

• Educating themselves about the condition to better understand their child’s needs
• Encouraging regular medical follow-ups and adherence to treatment plans
• Promoting a healthy lifestyle with appropriate physical activity and nutrition
• Providing emotional support and open communication about the child’s feelings
• Working with schools to ensure appropriate accommodations if needed
• Connecting with other families facing similar challenges for shared experiences and support

By creating a supportive and understanding environment, families can help children with pulmonary valve stenosis thrive and lead fulfilling lives despite their cardiac condition.

Pulmonary Valve Stenosis | American Heart Association

Estenosis pulmonar

What is it?

The pulmonary valve opens to let blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. Narrowing of the pulmonary valve (valvar pulmonary stenosis) causes the right ventricle to pump harder to get blood past the blockage.

More information for parents of children with pulmonary valve stenosis

What causes it?

In most children, the cause isn’t known. It’s a common type of heart defect. Some children can have other heart defects along with PS.

How does it affect the heart?

Normally the right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs. In a child with PS, the pressure is much higher than normal in the right pumping chamber (right ventricle) and the heart must work harder to pump blood out into the lung arteries. Over time this can cause damage to the overworked heart muscle.

How does the PS affect my child?

If the stenosis is severe, especially in babies, some cyanosis (blueness) may occur. Older children usually have no symptoms.

What can be done about the pulmonary valve?

The pulmonary valve can be treated to improve the obstruction and leak, but the valve can’t be made normal.

Treatment is needed when the pressure in the right ventricle is high (even though there may be no symptoms). In most children the obstruction can be relieved during cardiac catheterization by balloon valvuloplasty. In this procedure, a special tool, a catheter containing a balloon, is placed across the pulmonary valve. The balloon is inflated for a short time to stretch open the valve. Some children may need surgery.

What activities can my child do?

If the obstruction is mild, or if the PS obstruction has mostly been relieved with a balloon or surgery, your child may not need any special precautions regarding physical activities, and can participate in normal activities without increased risk.

What will my child need in the future?

The long-term outlook after balloon valvuloplasty or surgery is excellent, and usually no medicines and no additional surgery are needed. Your child’s pediatric cardiologist will examine your child periodically to look for uncommon problems such as worsening of the obstruction again.

What about preventing endocarditis?

Ask about your child’s risk of developing endocarditis. Children who have had pulmonary valve replacement will need to receive antibiotics before certain dental procedures. See the section on Endocarditis for more information.

Congenital Heart Defect ID sheet

More information for adults with pulmonary valve stenosis

What causes it?

In most cases, the cause isn’t known. It’s a common type of heart defect. Babies born to mothers who had rubella (German measles) during pregnancy were more likely to develop pulmonary stenosis along with deafness and patent ductus arteriosus. Some patients can have other heart defects along with PS.

How does it affect the heart?

Normally the right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs. In a person with PS, the pressure in the right-heart pumping chamber (right ventricle) is much higher than normal and the heart must work harder to pump blood out into the lung arteries. Over time this can cause damage to the overworked heart muscle. When the valve is regurgitant it can cause the right ventricle to enlarge.

How does the PS affect me?

If the PS is severe, adults may complain of chest pain, exercise intolerance or have no symptoms. Cyanosis is rare and usually occurs only when there is an atrial or ventricular septal defect as well.

What if the defect is still present? Should it be repaired in adulthood?

The valve can be treated to improve the obstruction, but the valve can’t be made normal.

Treatment is needed when the pressure in the right ventricle is high (even though there may be no symptoms). In most patients the obstruction can be relieved during cardiac catheterization (referred to as interventional or therapeutic catheterization (PDF)) by balloon valvuloplasty. In this procedure, a special catheter containing a balloon is placed across the pulmonary valve. The balloon is inflated for a short time to stretch open the valve.

In some cases the valve cannot be treated by balloon valvuloplasty. Then surgery is needed to relieve/correct the narrowing.

If I still have PS, what activities can I do?

If the PS is mild, or if the PS has mostly been relieved with a balloon or surgery, you may not need any special precautions, and can participate in normal activities without increased risk.

What will I need in the future?

The long-term outlook after balloon valvuloplasty or surgery is excellent, and usually no medicines are needed. Your cardiologist will examine you regularly to look for problems such as worsening of the obstruction or leakage of the pulmonary valve.

Ongoing Care

Medical follow-up

If your PS is severe, you’ll need ongoing care to check for symptoms or problems related to PS and you made need further procedures to correct the problem. If it’s mild or moderate, you’ll need ongoing follow-up so your cardiologist can check any signs of strain or weakening of your right ventricle. You should also consult a cardiologist with expertise in caring for adults with congenital heart disease before you undergoing any type of non-heart surgery or invasive procedure.

Activity Restrictions

If you have mild-to-moderate PS, you probably won’t need to limit your physical activity. If it’s severe, you may need to limit your activity until the valve is dilated or replaced because of strain on the right ventricle or risk of arrhythmias. Ask your cardiologist for exercise recommendations.

Endocarditis Prevention

If you have PS, you don’t need to take antibiotics to prevent endocarditis unless you’ve had prior endocarditis or you’ve had valve replacement. See the section on Endocarditis for more information.

Symptoms

If you have mild PS, you probably won’t have any symptoms. If it’s moderate or severe, you may not tolerate exercise well and may have shortness of breath or palpitations.

Pregnancy

You’ll likely handle pregnancy well if you have mild or moderate PS. If your PS is severe, pregnancy may be a higher risk. In these cases your cardiologist should be involved in your care during pregnancy and delivery. See the section on Pregnancy later in this booklet for more information.

Will I need more procedures?

The pulmonary valve may leak, known as pulmonary regurgitation (PR), after surgical or balloon intervention. If you develop symptoms or problems with your right ventricle due to PR, you may need surgery to replace the pulmonary valve. If the valve becomes more obstructed catheterization to dilate the pulmonary valve may be required.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors. See our editorial policies and staff.

Last Reviewed: Jun 20, 2023

Heart and Circulatory System (for Parents)

en español: Corazón y sistema circulatorio

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD

What Does the Heart Do?

The heart is a pump, usually beating about 60 to 100 times per minute. With each heartbeat, the heart sends blood throughout our bodies, carrying oxygen to every cell. After delivering the oxygen, the blood returns to the heart. The heart then sends the blood to the lungs to pick up more oxygen. This cycle repeats over and over again.

What Does the Circulatory System Do?

The circulatory system is made up of blood vessels that carry blood away from and towards the heart. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and veins carry blood back to the heart.

The circulatory system carries oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells, and removes waste products, like carbon dioxide. These roadways travel in one direction only, to keep things going where they should.

What Are the Parts of the Heart?

The heart has four chambers — two on top and two on bottom:

• The two bottom chambers are the right ventricle and the left ventricle. These pump blood out of the heart. A wall called the interventricular septum is between the two ventricles.
• The two top chambers are the right atrium and the left atrium. They receive the blood entering the heart. A wall called the interatrial septum is between the atria.

The atria are separated from the ventricles by the atrioventricular valves:

• The tricuspid valve separates the right atrium from the right ventricle.
• The mitral valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle.

Two valves also separate the ventricles from the large blood vessels that carry blood leaving the heart:

• The pulmonic valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs.
• The aortic valve is between the left ventricle and the aorta, which carries blood to the body.

What Are the Parts of the Circulatory System?

Two pathways come from the heart:

• The pulmonary circulation is a short loop from the heart to the lungs and back again.
• The systemic circulation carries blood from the heart to all the other parts of the body and back again.

In pulmonary circulation:

• The pulmonary artery is a big artery that comes from the heart. It splits into two main branches, and brings blood from the heart to the lungs. At the lungs, the blood picks up oxygen and drops off carbon dioxide. The blood then returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins.

In systemic circulation:

• Next, blood that returns to the heart has picked up lots of oxygen from the lungs. So it can now go out to the body. The aorta is a big artery that leaves the heart carrying this oxygenated blood. Branches off of the aorta send blood to the muscles of the heart itself, as well as all other parts of the body. Like a tree, the branches gets smaller and smaller as they get farther from the aorta.

  At each body part, a network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries connects the very small artery branches to very small veins. The capillaries have very thin walls, and through them, nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the cells. Waste products are brought into the capillaries.

  Capillaries then lead into small veins. Small veins lead to larger and larger veins as the blood approaches the heart. Valves in the veins keep blood flowing in the correct direction. Two large veins that lead into the heart are the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava. (The terms superior and inferior don’t mean that one vein is better than the other, but that they’re located above and below the heart.)

  Once the blood is back in the heart, it needs to re-enter the pulmonary circulation and go back to the lungs to drop off the carbon dioxide and pick up more oxygen.

How Does the Heart Beat?

The heart gets messages from the body that tell it when to pump more or less blood depending on a person’s needs. For example, when we’re sleeping, it pumps just enough to provide for the lower amounts of oxygen needed by our bodies at rest. But when we’re exercising, the heart pumps faster so that our muscles get more oxygen and can work harder.

How the heart beats is controlled by a system of electrical signals in the heart. The sinus (or sinoatrial) node is a small area of tissue in the wall of the right atrium. It sends out an electrical signal to start the contracting (pumping) of the heart muscle. This node is called the pacemaker of the heart because it sets the rate of the heartbeat and causes the rest of the heart to contract in its rhythm.

These electrical impulses make the atria contract first. Then the impulses travel down to the atrioventricular (or AV) node, which acts as a kind of relay station. From here, the electrical signal travels through the right and left ventricles, making them contract.

One complete heartbeat is made up of two phases:

1. The first phase is called systole (SISS-tuh-lee). This is when the ventricles contract and pump blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery. During systole, the atrioventricular valves close, creating the first sound (the lub) of a heartbeat. When the atrioventricular valves close, it keeps the blood from going back up into the atria. During this time, the aortic and pulmonary valves are open to allow blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery. When the ventricles finish contracting, the aortic and pulmonary valves close to prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricles. These valves closing is what creates the second sound (the dub) of a heartbeat.
2. The second phase is called diastole (die-AS-tuh-lee). This is when the atrioventricular valves open and the ventricles relax. This allows the ventricles to fill with blood from the atria, and get ready for the next heartbeat.

How Can I Help Keep My Child’s Heart Healthy?

To help keep your child’s heart healthy:

• Encourage plenty of exercise.
• Offer a nutritious diet.
• Help your child reach and keep a healthy weight.
• Go for regular medical checkups.
• Tell the doctor about any family history of heart problems.

Let the doctor know if your child has any chest pain, trouble breathing, or dizzy or fainting spells; or if your child feels like the heart sometimes goes really fast or skips a beat.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD

Date reviewed: September 2018

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causes and effects in adults

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• What are the causes and signs of an enlarged heart

Content:

• Causes of an enlarged heart in an adult

• Consequences

• Signs of an enlarged heart

• Examination and treatment

Any changes in the cardiovascular system must be taken into account, since CVD is still a serious problem in all countries of the world. Today we will talk about the causes and consequences of an enlarged heart in an adult. It would seem that the larger the volume of the chambers, the greater the volume of blood the heart can pump. But in practice, everything is somewhat more complicated.

Causes of an enlarged heart in an adult

In trained people, the heart pumps large volumes of blood, so the organ increases in size to cope with stress. Although in this case we are not talking about pathology, at the end of a career and with a decrease in the volume of training, it is necessary to coordinate actions with the attending physician. Both professional athletes and amateurs should be observed. The heart can become larger during childbearing. The load on the cardiovascular system in pregnant women increases, over time, the heart returns to its usual size. If this does not happen, an examination and consultation with a cardiologist will be required.

Other reasons why the heart is enlarged:

• Endocrine pathologies.
• Immunodeficiencies.
• Overweight.
• Cardiac ischemia.
• SD.
• High iron content in the blood.
• Violation of metabolic processes.
• Alcoholism.
• AG.
• Cardiomyopathy of various origins.
• Congenital and acquired heart defects.
• Fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity.

The reasons why a woman’s heart is enlarged are most often associated with pregnancy. Men and the elderly are at risk: these categories of patients have an increased risk of CVD, so close attention to their health is required.

Consequences

If the heart is enlarged, the causes and consequences may be as follows: patients may develop cardiovascular pathology, which affects the deterioration of tissue nutrition. With cardiomegaly, the enlargement of the heart occurs for two reasons: due to thickening of the muscle or stretching of the chambers. In any case, this condition is not a variant of the norm if cardiomegaly has been observed for a long time.

Complications:

• Increased oxygen demand, ischemia.
• Thinning of the walls of the heart.
• Probability of heart failure.
• Risk of blood clots.
• Accumulation of metabolic products.
• Violation of the blood supply to the lower extremities.
• Regurgitation is the return of blood to the chamber from which the fluid came.
• OMI.
• Cardiac arrest.

Although the consequences can be fatal, there is no need to panic right away – stress worsens CVD. But you must always remember that all body systems are in close connection, therefore, organs remote from the heart can suffer.

Signs of an enlarged heart

Patients with a bovine heart may not feel any change for a long time. The presence of a problem is detected during instrumental diagnostics. However, the following symptoms may appear due to lack of blood supply:

• Chest discomfort.
• Exercise intolerance.
• Heart rhythm disturbances.
• Fatigue.
• Swelling of the legs.
• Blue lips.
• Shortness of breath.
• Cough without cold symptoms.
• Weight gain.
• Increased sweating during sleep.

These symptoms do not directly indicate an enlarged heart. Similar manifestations can be found in a whole list of diseases. However, if you notice these signs in time, you can suspect a pathology and take timely action.

Examination and treatment

Regardless of the reasons why a person’s heart is enlarged, a diagnosis is required. The purpose of the examination is not only to establish the fact of an enlarged heart, but also to find a solution to minimize the consequences for the body. Since various diseases and conditions can affect the heart, the treatment is selected individually.

Diagnostics:

• Fluorography.
• X-ray.
• ECG.
• Ultrasound of the heart.
• Stress test.
• CT or MRI.
• Holter monitoring.
• Blood tests.

Based on the results, treatment is prescribed, which may include anti-inflammatory therapy, treatment of arrhythmia, hemochromatosis, HIV, alcoholism, etc. People with excess weight are selected with a diet, all patients are advised to stop smoking, control blood pressure, and adhere to a rational work and rest regimen.

The doctors of the Chekhov Vascular Center in the Moscow Region will help to accurately determine the causes of an enlarged heart. Make an appointment with us if an x-ray or fluorography reveals an enlarged heart or you feel alarming symptoms. With us, patients can be examined on modern equipment, receive a personalized therapy regimen and recommendations for lifestyle changes. In severe cases, patients are shown surgical treatment, which can be done at our center.

8-800-444-49-59
Appointment for consultation, study

Beregovaya st. , 36A, Chekhov, Moscow region, Russia, 142301

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where they are, how they look and work, why they can get sick

A person cannot exist without breathing, and therefore without lungs. This is one of the paired organs of the human body, it is also the most voluminous, but not the heaviest. The lungs got their name in Russian because of a unique property – unlike other human organs, they do not sink in water.

What is important to know about human lungs

Lung weight	On average, the lungs of men weigh 840 grams, women – 640. The right lung is slightly heavier.
Lung size	Average height: men 27.1 cm (right) and 29.8 (left), women 21.6 (right) and 23 cm (left). Average width: for men – 13.5 cm right and 12.9 cm left, for women – 12.2 cm right, 10. 8 left.
Lung function	1) Gas exchange – supply oxygen to the blood, remove carbon dioxide. 2) Acid-base balance support. 3) Participation in thermoregulation (they work like an air conditioner that moisturizes and warms the air that has entered them). 4) Participation in the regulation of water balance (through the lungs evaporates about 0.5 liters of water per day). 5) Helps eliminate toxins. 6) Participate in voice formation (sound is formed due to the air flow exhaled from the lungs). 7) Protection and cushioning of the heart from impact damage. 8) Become a barrier to many infections. 9) They serve as a kind of blood reserve (the lungs can contain about 400 ml of blood – this volume is enough for the body to compensate for blood loss).
Lung volume (the amount of air passing through them)	Maximum – 6 liters. On average – 3-4 liters. And normally, with a calm inhalation and exhalation, approximately 450-500 ml is used. An important indicator is the vital capacity of the lungs. This is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after the deepest breath. It depends on the height, age, physical activity of a person.
How much air passes through the lungs per minute	About 7-8 liters. During physical activity, it can increase by 7-10 times.
The number of breaths is normal	14-20 breaths per minute.

By the way
Different factors and circumstances can affect lung capacity. So, people of high stature, non-smokers, living in the mountains, have more lung capacity. And for short, smokers, living at sea level, as well as for the elderly, it is less.

Where are the human lungs

The lungs are located in the chest cavity. In the neighborhood on the right below is the liver. Above and to the left – the heart, below – the stomach. Under the lungs is the diaphragm, which separates the chest and peritoneum.

The cavity of the chest, in which the lungs are located, is lined with mucous tissue – the pleura and is called the pleural cavity. The same cloth is used to cover the top of the lightest ¹ .

What human lungs look like

The lungs have an irregular conical shape and, as we have already found out, different volumes. The right lung has a larger volume, but the left one is longer and narrower – the heart “pressed” it a little.

The number of lobes that make up the lung is also different: the right has three, the left has two. The shares are divided into segments. Each segment has one segmental bronchus and one branch of the pulmonary artery.

The main structural elements of the lungs, thanks to which we breathe:

• bronchi – continuation of the trachea inside the lungs;
• alveoli are tiny sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place, a vital process between the blood and the inhaled air. The number of alveoli in one lung is about 300-350 million;
• bronchioles – branches of the bronchi that distribute the air flow.

The thickness of the lungs is pierced by bronchi, which, moving away from the center to the periphery, are divided into ever smaller branches. Hence the name: tracheo-bronchial tree. Air moves through the bronchi, like pipes, during inhalation and exhalation. And gas exchange between blood and air is carried out directly in the lung tissue itself, in its minimum functional unit – the acinus, which consists of the smallest branch of the bronchus and pulmonary vesicles (alveoli), which, like leaves, are located on this branch.

How the human lungs work

During inhalation, air first enters the trachea, from there it is delivered through its branches (bronchioles) to numerous alveoli. These microscopic vesicles are covered by a network of capillaries. It is through them that blood with a high content of carbon dioxide enters the alveoli. And it is in these tiny air bubbles that carbon dioxide moves into the air, and oxygen moves into the blood. Through the pulmonary vein, oxygen-enriched blood enters the heart, and from there it spreads through the arteries through the vessels that feed all human organs and tissues. The lungs themselves expand when inhaling and contract when exhaling.

Not only lung structures are involved in the mechanism of inhalation and exhalation. Let’s start with the fact that the process is controlled by the respiratory center of the brain, sending impulses to the muscles. When inhaling, the external intercostal muscles contract. The ribs rise, the chest expands, allowing the lungs to “turn around” that increase in volume. The diaphragm also gives way to them, dropping down during inhalation.

And when you exhale, the ribs fall, the chest narrows, and the diaphragm relaxes and rises.

By the way
During exercise, training, breathing quickens. It turns out that this is due to an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide – CO2 is actively formed in the blood. This has an exciting effect on the respiratory center, and the respiration quickens reflexively.

Why a person’s lungs can hurt

As PhD, pulmonologist Irina Chibisova explains , the lungs themselves cannot hurt, because they do not have nerve endings. In medicine, there is an important syndrome – chest pain syndrome. During the examination, the doctor clarifies the source of this pain.

What can hurt in the chest?

Muscle pain

Muscle pain can be quite intense, prolonged, aggravated by tilting to the healthy side, palpation, sneezing and coughing.

Intercostal neuralgia

In case of intercostal neuralgia, the pain can be quite intense, aggravated by tilting to the affected side, palpation, deep breathing, coughing.

Pain in the ribs

Pain in the ribs can be caused not only by a fracture or severe bruising, but also by bone metastases. Pain can range from mild to severe.

Pain in the pleura

The pleura is a “film” that lines the ribs from the inside and separates the lungs from the inner surface of the chest wall. The pleura contains a huge number of nerve endings, so when it is damaged, pain can occur.

Pleural pain is one of the most severe. The pain is intense, relieved when a person lies on a sore side, sharply intensifies when breathing, coughing and sneezing.

Other causes

Also, pain in the chest can be caused by heart disease (and this cause must be excluded in the first place), pathologies of large vessels, the esophagus. Pain can radiate from other internal organs – the gallbladder or pancreas.

How human lungs are treated

Any treatment begins with a diagnosis. To identify pulmonary pathology, doctors prescribe x-rays, for a more detailed examination – computed tomography of the lungs. Each of these methods has its own indications, but in the 21st century, no elective chest surgery will begin without a preliminary CT scan of the lungs.

X-ray of the lung. Photo: globallookpress.com

Therapeutic treatment

Lung diseases are therapeutic and surgical. Therapeutic (family doctors, internists, pulmonologists, phthisiatricians) are bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occupational diseases, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and others. Various medications are prescribed for their treatment.

Surgical treatment

If the disease is not amenable to medical treatment, surgical methods are used. Indications for surgery on the lungs: abscess, cancer, pleural empyema, pneumothorax, exudative pleurisy, mechanical trauma and much more.

Often, without a biopsy, a pulmonologist cannot make an accurate diagnosis, so an operation is prescribed for the purpose of diagnosis.

According to the indications, one of the lungs can be completely removed, or a partial excision can be performed when one or more lobes or a certain part of the organ is cut out.

Operations

Operations on the lungs can be either traditional, with a wide chest incision, or thoracoscopic. In this case, several small incisions are sufficient, through which the necessary instruments are inserted and the operation is performed.

Part of the lung or one lobe can be cut out using the thoracoscopic method. But if the removal of the lung is required for cancer, cysts, severe purulent processes, then a traditional surgical operation is performed. Cryodestruction, radiosurgery, laser surgery – all these are modern methods of thoracic surgery.

Puncture of the pleural cavity

Puncture of the pleural cavity is a surgical procedure during which a drainage tube is inserted through a small incision to remove fluid from the lungs and to administer medication. Through a puncture, which is done with a special needle, the surgeon can remove pus or accumulated blood from the lung cavity.

Lung transplantation

The most complex operation, during which a complete or partial replacement of a diseased lung with a donor organ is done. A lung transplant can be the only salvation when it comes to advanced disease (COPD, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension), which is not amenable to any treatment. But, for example, a person who smokes will be denied transplantation. Malignant neoplasms, overweight, concomitant severe diseases will also become a contraindication to lung transplantation ² .

How to keep your lungs healthy at home

Since the lungs do not hurt, problems in them are often detected during a physical examination. Therefore, it is very important to perform an annual fluorography or plain radiography. If you are a smoker, then once a year you need to perform spirometry – this is a quick and absolutely painless method for examining important indicators of the respiratory system.

Prevention is always more effective than cure. It would not be superfluous to once again recall the dangers of smoking, including passive smoking, which causes enormous damage to health.

Popular Questions and Answers

Our expert PhD, pulmonologist Irina Chibisova answers popular questions related to lung diseases and their treatment.

Which doctor treats human lungs?

— Pulmonologist deals with the study and treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, allergic and occupational diseases, sarcoidosis, cystic fibrosis, etc. A thoracic surgeon performs surgical interventions on the organs of the chest. A phthisiatrician treats tuberculosis. Lung cancer is treated in a complex manner with the participation of a pulmonologist, an oncologist, and a surgeon.

What are the first signs of lung problems?

– Prolonged cough, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, weakness, fatigue, night sweats, chest pain that worsens with coughing and deep breathing may be associated with lung cancer or tuberculosis ³ .

Persistent cough with sputum production, shortness of breath and wheezing may be signs of COPD.

Fever above 38, night sweats, shortness of breath, non-productive cough – symptoms associated with pneumonia.

Is it harmful to have a CT scan of the lungs?

– With the help of computed tomography, the doctor receives a lot of information about the condition of the lungs, including related information, indicating hidden problems. For example, a person does a CT scan for pneumonia, and as a result, primary cancer is detected at an early stage. CT is much more informative than radiography, and allows you to see what is not visible on the x-ray. Those small doses of radiation that the patient receives do not pose a threat to his life.

Is it true that sleeping on your back is bad for your lungs?

— Harmful or beneficial sleeping position is a very common myth. Comfort is important – posture, mattress, pillows, room, temperature and humidity. In some cases, such as obstructive sleep apnea or obesity, sleeping on your back exacerbates breathing problems. But the exclusion of this posture in the hope of achieving a therapeutic effect is an insidious illusion. These diseases are more difficult to treat than a simple recommendation to exclude sleeping on your back.

With many diseases, including pulmonary, the patient intuitively, without outside advice, chooses for himself the most favorable position of the body when falling asleep. The doctor’s knowledge of these positions is often the key to making a correct diagnosis.

Are e-cigarettes harmful to the lungs?

– Electronic cigarettes cause no less harm to the lungs than conventional ones. For example, a teenage epidemic of e-cigarette smoking with irreversible lung damage has swept Western countries, which has led to lung transplants in more than one teenager. Nature does not provide for us to inhale various, even ultra-modern and newfangled substances. There is nothing harmless, let alone useful.

Sources :

1. Big medical encyclopedia.