Südameklapp

Südameklapp, or heart valve in English, refers to a crucial component of the heart responsible for ensuring the unidirectional flow of blood. There are four primary heart valves: the mitral valve, the aortic valve, the tricuspid valve, and the pulmonary valve. These valves open and close with each heartbeat, acting like one-way doors.

The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The aortic valve sits between the left ventricle and the aorta, the body's main artery. The tricuspid valve is found between the right atrium and the right ventricle. Finally, the pulmonary valve connects the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs.

These valves are composed of thin, flexible leaflets or cusps made of strong connective tissue. When the heart muscle contracts, the valves close to prevent blood from flowing backward. When the heart relaxes, the valves open to allow blood to move forward into the next chamber or into the body's circulatory system.

Dysfunction of a heart valve, known as valvular heart disease, can significantly impair the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. This dysfunction can manifest as stenosis, where the valve narrows and restricts blood flow, or regurgitation, where the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. Conditions affecting südameklapp can range from congenital defects to those acquired later in life due to factors like infection, aging, or other medical conditions.