Atrioventricular Valve Function

Introduction

The heart has four major valves that regulate blood flow: the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic valves. The atrioventricular (AV) valves—the tricuspid (right side) and mitral (left side) valves—are responsible for ensuring blood flows in the correct direction between the atria and ventricles. Their function is crucial for maintaining efficient circulation and preventing regurgitation (backflow of blood).

Structure and Function

1. Anatomy:

   • The tricuspid valve has three leaflets and is located between the right atrium and right ventricle.
   • The mitral valve has two leaflets and sits between the left atrium and left ventricle.
   • Both valves are connected to the chordae tendineae, which attach to the papillary muscles, preventing the valves from inverting into the atria during contraction.

2. Opening and Closing Mechanism:

   • During diastole (heart relaxation), the AV valves open to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles.
   • During systole (heart contraction), the AV valves close to prevent blood from flowing backward into the atria.

Importance in Cardiac Health

When AV valves fail to function properly, different heart conditions may arise: - Valve stenosis: Narrowing of the valve opening, leading to restricted blood flow. - Valve regurgitation: Improper closure, allowing blood to leak backward. - Prolapse: One or both leaflets bulge into the atrium, sometimes causing leakage.

Common Diseases Affecting AV Valve Function

1. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) – Common condition where the mitral valve doesn’t close properly.
2. Mitral regurgitation – Blood leaks back into the left atrium, leading to heart failure if severe.
3. Tricuspid regurgitation – Can be secondary to right heart failure or increased right ventricular pressure.
4. Rheumatic heart disease – A complication of untreated streptococcal infection that damages the valves.

Diagnostic Methods

• Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) to assess valve structure and function.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect abnormal heart rhythms related to valve dysfunction.
• Cardiac MRI for detailed imaging in complex valve disorders.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity: - Medications – Diuretics, beta-blockers, or anticoagulants for symptom management. - Lifestyle changes – Low-sodium diet, exercise, and weight management. - Valve repair or replacement – Severe cases may require surgical or catheter-based interventions.

Conclusion: The atrioventricular valves are essential for proper heart function. Early detection and treatment of valve disorders can prevent severe heart complications. Regular check-ups with a cardiologist are crucial, especially for individuals with risk factors such as hypertension or a history of heart disease.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
3. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000932
5. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17259184/