What does it mean to have vegetation on heart valve?

Endocarditis is caused by a growth of bacteria on one of the heart valves, leading to an infected mass called a “vegetation”. The infection may be introduced during brief periods of having bacteria in the bloodstream, such as after. dental work, colonoscopy, and. other similar procedures.

What valve is affected by stenosis?

Aortic valve stenosis — or aortic stenosis — occurs when the heart’s aortic valve narrows. The valve doesn’t open fully, which reduces or blocks blood flow from your heart into the main artery to your body (aorta) and to the rest of your body.

What does stenosis mean in a heart valve?

Stenosis is the term for a valve that is narrowed and doesn’t open properly. The flaps of a valve may thicken, stiffen or fuse together. As a result, the valve cannot fully open. The heart then has to work harder to pump blood through the valve, and the body may suffer from a reduced supply of oxygen.

What causes vegetation?

Sometimes the heart can’t pump out enough blood. Bacterial endocarditis is a serious condition that can sometimes lead to death. Bacterial endocarditis can also cause the bacteria to clump with cells and other things in the blood. These clumps are often called vegetations.

How long can you live with mitral valve stenosis?

If you have developed mild symptoms of mitral stenosis, you may live for at least ten years after diagnosis. However, the calculation of life expectancy is not the same for everyone. Only 80% of patients with mitral stenosis can live up to ten years.

How quickly does aortic valve stenosis progress?

The present observations serve principally to indicate that progression does occur, that progression from noncritical to critical aortic stenosis can occur in less than five years, and that this is very likely to be found when patients with progressive symptoms and electrocardiographic changes are restudied.

Is mitral valve stenosis life-threatening?

If left untreated, mitral valve disease can lead to serious, life-threatening complications such as heart failure or irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias.

How fast does stenosis progress?

According to The Cleveland Clinic, catheterization and echocardiographic studies suggest that, on average, the valve area declines 0.1-0.3 square centimeters per year. The Cleveland Clinic also states that the systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve can increase by as much as 10-15 mm Hg per year.