Overview

Heart valves are specialised structures within the heart that help regulate the flow of blood through its chambers. The heart is a muscular organ that pumps oxygenated blood to the body's tissues and returns deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. To achieve this, the heart has four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers), each separated by valves. There are four major heart valves in the human heart- Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, and Pulmonary Valve.

These valves act as doors of the heart to allow blood to flow in the right direction. These valves can be damaged due to multiple health issues. The condition can be easily identified by health scenarios such as shortness of breath, palpitations, oedema, weakness, weight gain, pain in the chest, and other similar health problems. The four atriums are separated with the help of these valves.

If these valves cannot close and open at the right time for proper blood flow, it may lead to different types of health issues. If not treated at the right time, then the condition can turn severe or fatal. A surgical procedure can resolve the issue and allow one to resume routine activities.

Functions of the Heart Valves

The functioning of the heart valves depends on the contraction and relaxation of muscles. Some of the major functions include -

- Maintaining Blood Pressure- By controlling the direction of blood flow, heart valves help maintain proper blood pressure within the heart chambers and the arteries. They ensure that blood flows in the correct sequence, optimising the heart's pumping efficiency.
- Preventing Backflow (Regurgitation)- The main function of heart valves is to prevent the backflow of blood as the heart contracts and relaxes. Each valve ensures that blood flows in only one direction, allowing for efficient circulation.
- Facilitating Blood Flow- As the heart contracts, the valves open to allow blood to flow from one chamber to another or from the heart to the arteries. When the heart relaxes, the valves close to prevent blood from flowing backwards.
- Regulating Blood Volume- Proper valve function helps regulate the amount of blood that flows through the heart with each heartbeat. This is important for maintaining an appropriate balance between the blood volume in the heart chambers and the rest of the circulatory system.
- Helps in Chamber Contraction- The heart valve's opening and closing contribute to the heart chambers' coordinated contraction. This synchronisation ensures that blood is effectively pumped from the atria to the ventricles and then from the ventricles to the lungs and the rest of the body.
- Supporting Cardiac Output- By maintaining efficient blood flow, the heart valves play a crucial role in supporting cardiac output—the amount of blood pumped by the heart in a given time. This ensures that tissues and organs receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients.
- Optimising Oxygenation- The heart valves contribute to oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood circulation. For example, the pulmonary valve sends deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation. In contrast, the aortic valve ensures oxygen-rich blood is pumped into the systemic circulation to supply the body's tissues.
- Preventing Overloading of the Heart- Valves prevent blood from flowing back into the heart chambers during contractions. This prevents overloading of the heart and ensures that blood is propelled forward with each heartbeat.

Heart Valve Disease Symptoms

Mentioned below are some of the symptoms of heart valve disease that help to identify the disorder quickly and allow one to begin the medication to avoid worsening the situation:

- Chest pain
- Heaviness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Fatigue
- Weakness or dizziness

Heart Valve Disorders

Mentioned below are some of the disorders of the valves that can disrupt the flow of blood in the heart and lead to multiple heart issues:

Valvular Stenosis

Valvular Stenosis- The medical condition is observed when the opening of the valve gets stiff and narrow. Restrained blood flow leads to improper blood flow and other health issues. The condition makes it harder for the heart muscles to pump blood in all body parts. The affected individual feels pain in the chest and difficulty breathing. Health symptoms such as heart attack, rheumatic fever, high blood pressure, and other similar health problems are some significant causes.

Causes

High blood pressure
High diabetes
Older age
Congenital heart defects
High cholesterol

Symptoms

- Heart murmur
- Chest pain
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations

Valvular Insufficiency

Valvular Insufficiency- another issue faced by the valves is valvular insufficiency. It happens when the valves cannot close properly, leading to a flow of blood backwards. The condition is known as ‘regurgitant flow’ in medical terms. It becomes difficult for the affected individual’s heart to pump blood for the whole body making it difficult to supply blood. The condition can be observed if an individual has mitral valve prolapse.

Causes

- Mitral valve prolapse
- Rheumatic fever
- Cardiomyopathy
- Endocarditis
- Radiation therapy

Symptoms

- Shortness of breath while exercising
- Fatigue or weakness during tedious activities
- Heart murmur
- Arrhythmia
- Fainting
- Tightness of chest

Valvular Atresia

Valvular Atresia- It is a medical condition in which the valves between different chambers aren’t formed properly. The situation is congenital and is found in an infant at birth or can also be found out before delivery. The medical scenario blocks blood flow through different chambers, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. In such situations, blood with less oxygen flows through the whole body.

Causes

Obese mother
Any parent suffering from the condition previously
Gene mutation

Symptoms

- Dyspnea
- Blue or grey skin and lips
- Tiredness
- Weight loss

Some other factors contributing to heart valve disorders include-

- Congenital Factors- Some people are born with structurally abnormal heart valves, which can lead to valvular disorders later in life.
- Infections- Infections such as endocarditis can damage heart valves and lead to valvular problems.
- Age- As people age, the heart valves may become stiffer and less flexible, increasing the risk of valve disorders.
- Calcium Deposits- The accumulation of calcium on the valve leaflets can result in valve stenosis.
- Rheumatic Fever- This inflammatory condition, often triggered by untreated strep throat, can cause scarring and damage to heart valves.
- Degenerative Changes- Over time, wear and tear on the heart valves can lead to dysfunction.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert cardiology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Heart Valves help direct blood flow in the right chamber or atrium. The valves may face different medical problems leading to blockage or restriction of blood flow. The condition can be treated with the help of surgery. Medications and lifestyle changes can help to lower the damaging symptoms.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/ischemic-heart-disease-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-options/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17067-heart-valves