heart-valve atresia

Heart-valve atresia is a congenital condition where a heart valve is absent or abnormally narrow. This means the valve cannot open properly, obstructing blood flow. This can occur with valves like the aortic or pulmonary valves, causing significant circulatory issues early in life.1

While aortic insufficiency refers to a valve's inability to prevent backflow, atresia is about the absence or severe narrowing of the valve itself. These conditions, including heart-valve atresias, can often be surgically corrected. Modern treatments also include replacing damaged valves with artificial prostheses or human/animal tissue valves. Procedures like angioplasty can also be used to widen narrowed valves.2134