About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Valves: Structure, Function, and Common Diseases
Introduction
The heart is a powerful pump that circulates blood throughout the body. Its function is supported by four heart valves, which ensure that blood flows in the correct direction.
Structure and Function of Heart Valves
The heart has four valves:
- Tricuspid Valve – Located between the right atrium and right ventricle, it prevents the backflow of blood.
- Pulmonary Valve – Lies between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery, allowing blood to travel to the lungs.
- Mitral Valve – Found between the left atrium and left ventricle, preventing blood from flowing backward.
- Aortic Valve – Positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta, ensuring blood is pumped into the body.
These valves function like one-way doors, opening and closing in response to pressure changes in the heart chambers.
Common Heart Valve Diseases
1. Valve Stenosis (Narrowing)
- Occurs when a valve does not open fully, restricting blood flow.
- Common in the aortic and mitral valves.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and chest pain.
2. Valve Regurgitation (Leakage)
- A condition where a valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward.
- Can result in heart enlargement and eventually heart failure.
- Causes include infections, rheumatic heart disease, and congenital defects.
3. Valve Prolapse
- Most commonly affects the mitral valve.
- Occurs when valve flaps become too flexible and bulge backward.
- Often benign but may require treatment in severe cases.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnostic Methods:
- Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- MRI or CT scans
Treatment Options:
- Medication for symptom control (e.g., blood thinners, beta-blockers)
- Valve Repair through minimally invasive surgery
- Valve Replacement using mechanical or biological prosthetic valves
Conclusion
Heart valve diseases can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely medical intervention are crucial for heart health. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000932
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-acc-aha-guideline-for-the-management-of-patients-with-valvular-heart-disease
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17259184/
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.