Incompetence is a term applied to the valves of the heart when, as a result of disease in the valves or alterations in size of the chambers of the heart, the valves become unable to close the ori?ces which they should protect. (See HEART, DISEASES OF.)
n. 1. impaired function of the valves of the heart or veins, which allows backward leakage of blood. See aortic regurgitation; mitral regurgitation; varicose veins. 2. (incapacity) impairment of mental functioning such that a person is unable to understand, retain, and weigh up information so as to communicate a choice or preference. 3. inability to fulfil the responsibilities and meet the standards of care expected of individuals working in a professional role in health care.
See also REGURGITATION. This is the back ?ow of blood through the AORTIC VALVE of the HEART into the left ventricle, caused by an incompetent valve. The failure to close may be caused by a congenital defect or by damage from disease. The defect may be cured by surgical replacement of the damaged valve with an arti?cial valve. (See HEART, DISEASES OF.)... aortic incompetence
A defect in the MITRAL VALVE of the HEART which allows blood to leak from the left VENTRICLE into the left ATRIUM. It is also known as mitral regurgitation; incompetence may occur along with MITRAL STENOSIS. The left ventricle has to work harder to compensate for the faulty valve, so it enlarges, but eventually the ventricle cannot cope with the extra load and left-sided heart failure may develop. A common cause of mitral incompetence is RHEUMATIC FEVER or damage following a heart attack. The condition is treated with drugs to help the heart, but in severe cases heart surgery may be required.... mitral incompetence
Failure of the TRICUSPID VALVE in the HEART to close fully, thus permitting blood to leak back into the right atrium during contractions of the right ventricle. This reduces the heart’s pumping e?ciency, and right-sided heart failure usually results. Treatment for heart failure (using DIURETICS and ACE inhibitor drugs) usually restores function, but sometimes heart surgery is required to repair or replace the defective valve.... tricuspid incompetence
A rare defect of the pulmonary valve at the exit of the heart’s right ventricle. The valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the heart. The cause is usually rheumatic fever, endocarditis, or severe pulmonary hypertension.... pulmonary incompetence
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