Heart valves are undoubtedly the most remarkable structures of our heart. Each heart valve plays an essential role in healthy blood circulation. These tissue-paper thin membranes attached to our heart walls open and close to regulate blood flow.
A normal, healthy heart valve minimizes any obstructions and allows the blood to flow smoothly and freely.
What are the four valves of the heart?
Our heart has four valves – one for each chamber of the heart. The purpose of the four valves of the heart is to decide the pathway for efficient blood flow through the heart. They open and close to help move blood from one area to the other. The four valves move through the four chambers of our heart.
The arteries are the smaller chambers on the top, and the ventricles are the smaller chambers on the bottom. These four valves of our heart are:
- The mitral valve
- The aortic valve
- The tricuspid valve
- The pulmonic valve
Keep reading to know more about these four valves and their functioning.
Mitral Valve
The mitral valve is located in the left side of the heart between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The shape of this valve resembles the shape of a meter. The primary function of this valve is to keep blood flowing properly in one direction of your heart. It also helps prevent the blood from flowing backward as it moves through the heart.
However, in some people mitral valve disease may occur. For instance, when valve openings become narrowed, the flaps of the mitral valve can become stiff. It may lead to the reduction of blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This disease is known as mitral valve stenosis.
Tricuspid Valve
The tricuspid valve is located between the two chambers on the right side of your heart. This valve separates the lower heart chamber from the upper heart chamber. The main function of this valve is to help blood flow in the right direction.
But in some cases, the valve does not close tight enough. This condition is known as Tricuspid valve regurgitation. In this problem, the blood will flow backward into the right heart chamber when the right lower heart chamber contracts. The examples include:
- Abnormal blood pressure in lung arteries
- The poor squeezing of the left side of the heart
- Problem with opening or closing of other heart valves
Pulmonic Valve
The pulmonic valve lies between the lower right of the chamber and the pulmonary artery. Moreover, in normal conditions, the valve prevents the flow back of deoxygenated blood from the pulmonary artery back to the right ventricle.
Pulmonary valve disease occurs when your pulmonary valve is not working properly. This condition may interrupt blood flow from your heart to the lungs. Moreover, in some cases, the valve becomes thickened. This condition is known as pulmonary valve stenosis.
However, the treatment depends on the severity of your condition or whether you are experiencing some symptoms of the disease.
Aortic Valve
The aortic valve has a sophisticated structure and is located between the aorta and the heart’s left ventricle. When each of the heart’s muscles contracts, oxygenated blood exits the left ventricle through the aortic valve. The primary function of this valve is to move blood to the lungs and the rest of the blood through the ventricles.
This valve is susceptible to two major conditions which include:
Aortic stenosis
This disease may affect the ability of blood to effectively move into the aorta. In this condition, the valve fails to open all the way.
Aortic Regurgitation
It occurs if oxygenated blood flows in the wrong direction. This can happen when the aortic valve is not functioning correctly.
Therefore, we assure the best treatment for various heart valve diseases. Our cardiologists offer the best treatment for mitral and aortic valve replacement. One of our patients who came for heart valve treatment stated,” Best place in Amritsar to get the best treatment at affordable prices. Best medical facilities available. All modern machines availability”.
Working of heart valves
As your heart muscle contracts and relaxes, the heart valves open and shut. This allows the blood to flow into the ventricles and atria at alternate times. The step below will show how the blood flows through the heart and how each valve works to keep the blood moving.
Open tricuspid and mitral valves
Through the open tricuspid valve, the blood flows from the right atrium and into the right ventricle. Then this blood flows from the left atrium into the left ventricle through the pathway of the open mitral valve.
Closed tricuspid and mitral valves
The tricuspid wall closes to keep the blood from flowing backward into the right atrium when the ventricles squeeze. Moreover, when the left ventricle is full, the mitral valve closes and keeps blood from flowing backward into the left atrium.
Open pulmonic and aortic valve
The pulmonic valve needs force to open when the right ventricle begins to contract. Then the blood is pumped out from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery to the lungs. As the left ventricles begin to contract, the aortic valve is forced open.
Closed pulmonic and aortic valve
When the right ventricle stops contracting and relaxes, the pulmonic valve shuts. It happens so that the blood will flow back into your right ventricle. After this, the aortic valve closes, when your left ventricle finishes contracting.
This pattern is repeated so that the blood will flow continuously to the heart, lungs, and body.
Amandeep Group of Hospitals: For Best Cardiac Care
We at Amandeep Group of Hospitals work towards the objective of providing the most reliable and affordable treatment. Our department of Cardiology is fully equipped with the best cath lab and state-of-art facilities.
Our cardiologists are experienced in handling complex cases. You can get world-class cardiac care services, including 24/7 emergency services. Our lifesaving procedures and services aimed at saving your precious life.
Contact us and start your journey towards a healthy heart.