Which term describes when the valve in the heart does not close properly and is sticking?

The term that describes when a heart valve does not close properly and is sticking is valvular incompetence. This condition occurs when the valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward instead of moving in the correct direction, which can lead to a range of cardiovascular issues. Valvular incompetence is often associated with symptoms of heart failure, as the inefficient blood flow affects overall circulation and may lead to an increased workload on the heart.

Stenosis refers to the narrowing of a valve, restricting blood flow rather than allowing backflow. Insufficiency is sometimes used interchangeably with valvular incompetence, but specific terminology can depend on the context and the degree of the condition. An aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning in a blood vessel rather than a valve issue. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why valvular incompetence is the appropriate term for this scenario.