Claire Mackie defines some common heart valve diseases and explains how underwriters view these conditions
The heart is a powerful muscular pump which keeps our bodies supplied with oxygen-rich blood. Within the heart are four valves which can open or close to control the flow of blood through the heart and its chambers in the right direction. Abnormalities in these valves result in poor heart function and if left untreated can result in heart failure. A diseased or damaged valve can affect the flow of blood through the heart in two ways: • The valve may not open fully and will obstruct the forward flow of blood. This is valve stenosis. • If the valve does not close properly it will all...
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