Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Pulmonary stenosis, also known as pulmonary valve stenosis, is a rare disorder of the heart's pulmonary valve that slows or restricts the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs. The pulmonary valve is the tissue separating the pulmonary artery from the lower right chamber of the heart (the right ventricle). This valve controls blood flow to the lungs. Stenosis refers to the narrowing of the valve, which affects its ability to expand or open wide enough to allow normal flow of blood to the lungs.

In mild cases of pulmonary stenosis, the restricted blood flow could lead to a heart murmur. In more severe cases, additional symptoms such as fatigue and fainting may be present, which worsen with exercise or activity and may require surgery to correct. Pulmonary stenosis is most often found in infants as a heart defect that developed during the fetal stage. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to have a genetic connection. Adults may develop pulmonary stenosis as a complication of other disorders or illnesses, but this is less common. Depending of the severity of the condition, pulmonary stenosis can be treated with medication or surgery, but mild cases may not require treatment.

Why UAB

With the first and largest comprehensive heart valve program in the state, UAB Medicine provides continuing care for patients who have or are at risk for valve disease. Our team of surgeons and cardiologists are among the nation’s most highly regarded physicians, and they provide a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of valve disease. From aortic valve stenosis to mitral valve regurgitation, and from traditional open-heart surgery to the latest in minimally invasive procedures and robotic-assisted valve repair surgery, UAB patients benefit from our expertise in treating patients with valve disease.

The UAB Comprehensive Valve Program has built an impressive list of accomplishments in recent years. Our cardiologists and heart surgeons performed the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Alabama; to date UAB has performed more TAVRs than any other hospital in the state. As an added service, patients who have been told by non-UAB doctors that they need valve surgery can speak to a UAB valve surgeon for a second opinion.

Images and Videos

Take a video tour of the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Acton Road.

Patients like Sarah Ford travel to UAB because of the experienced surgeons and cutting-edge care.

Heart valve disease affects patients of all ages, but there are effective treatments and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your condition.

PHYSICIANS

Constantine L. Athanasuleas, MD

Marc G. Cribbs, MD

James E. Davies Jr., MD

Lisa Findley, CRNP, DNP

Jack H. Hasson, MD

William L. Holman, MD

Sara J. Pereira, MD

Gilbert J. Perry, MD

Related Conditions

Listed below are some conditions that may be related to or share some similarities with the condition addressed on this page.

Congenital Heart Disease

Heart Failure

Heart Valve Disease

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary stenosis. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials