UMHS
Related Site:
University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
Heart
Valve Diseases
The
filling and pumping chambers on each side of the heart are separated
by one-way valves. These four valves each have two or three tissue
flaps called leaflets that act as doors which open and close to ensure
that blood flows only in the proper direction.
Left
Side Valves
mitral
valve: between the left atrium (filling chamber) and the
left ventricle (pumping chamber)
aortic valve: between the left ventricle and the aorta (a large
artery that takes blood to the rest of the body)
Right
Side Valves
tricuspid valve: between the right atrium (filling chamber)
and the right ventricle (pumping chamber)
pulmonic valve: between the right ventricle and vessels leading
to the lungs Valve problems present from birth are called congenital
malformations. Other valve deformities are not acquired until later
in life. Conditions such as an infection can invade or damage the vaIve
leaflets or doors. The natural aging process may weaken already damaged
valve leaflets or harden normal valve tissue.
Valve problems produce many symptoms. Faulty heart valves can cause
dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heart beats, fluid
buildup, strokes and heart attacks. Tests such as an echocardiogram
or a cardiac catheterization can show if heart valves are damaged or
not functioning properly.
UMHS Related Topics:
Illustration of Normal and Diseased Heart Valves
Surgical Valvuloplasty
Heart Valve Replacement
Heart (cardiac) catheterization
Echocardiogram