Which condition arises when a heart valve is stretched out of shape, preventing proper closure?

The condition that arises when a heart valve is stretched out of shape, preventing proper closure, is known as prolapse. In the context of the heart, valve prolapse typically refers to a situation where one or more of the leaflets of the heart valve become elongated and cannot close tightly. This defect may lead to blood flowing back into the heart chambers rather than moving efficiently forward, potentially causing symptoms like fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

In contrast, other options such as pulmonary embolism involve a clot obstructing blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart that can damage valves, and cardiac tamponade is a condition where fluid accumulates around the heart, restricting its ability to pump effectively. Each of these conditions has different underlying mechanisms and effects on heart function, highlighting the unique nature of prolapse as it specifically pertains to the structure and function of heart valves.